“180 DAYS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD”

The seeds of the Japanese defeat were in place before the attack on Pearl Harbor.  “180 Days That Changed The World”  is the story of the time period,  Dec 7, 1941 to June 7, 1942.  Join host Bob Gould as he interviews Mr. John Johns about the first 180 days of WWII.

The USS YORKTOWN  back out to sea, 48 hrs after it was badly damaged at the Battle of Coral Sea;  the significance of the Doolittle Raid on Japan; and, how the Doolittle Mission contributed to the Battle of Midway Island.  All of this and more, Saturday Dec 13^th on VETERANS RADIO.  Don’t miss it!  

"What Do Veterans Want For Christmas?"

It’s that time of year again. What are you going to give your favorite veteran this holiday season? Click here to hear what new books, music, military paraphernalia is available for your favorite veteran. How can you help?

We'll be talking with authors, musicians, artists, veteran’s organizations and corporations supporting veterans from around the country. 

If you or someone you know has a product or service to offer the Veterans Market contact me at dale@veteransradio.net and we’ll add your/their link to our website and we’ll talk about your business, product or service on the air.

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"USO"

Since just before World War II, the USO has been the bridge between the American people and our men and women in uniform, conveying the heartfelt appreciation and support of a grateful nation. Whether it is a quiet place to go for rest and relaxation, movies, refreshments, or a friendly face, the USO delivers its special brand of service to the military. For over 67 years the USO has been there for us.  Join Veterans Radio Host Dale Throneberry and our guest John Hanson, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications as we talk about some of the history and stories of the USO.

                                                              "Martha Raye"
One of the best known and loved performers on the USO circuit for over fifty years was Martha Raye. From the deserts of North Africa to the jungles of Vietnam , Martha (Maggie) Raye entertained America’s finest.  Join Veterans Radio Host and our guest Noonie Fortin, retired Army Reserve First Sergeant, and author of Memories of Maggie - Martha Raye: A Legend Spanning Three Wars. Did you know that “Maggie” was an honorary member of the Special Forces. She received her cherished Green Beret and title of Lieutenant Colonel from President Lyndon Johnson? And that she was buried with special permission at Ft. Bragg? Tune in Saturday morning to learn more about this incredible American heroine.

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                                            "Gunbird Driver"
                                                        A Marine Huey Pilot's War in Vietnam
David Ballentine recalls his experiences as a young pilot flying an armed UH-1E with Marine Observation Squadron Six in Vietnam. Like any good war memoir, parts of the book are deadly serious, even sad, while others are filled with thrilling, often humorous descriptions of squadron life during the early stages of the war. The book provides little known detail about the missions, operations, and living conditions at Ballentine’s base in Ky Ha, shortly before the Tet Offensive.

                                 "John F. Kennedy Assassination"
On November 22, 1963 the world was stunned by news that our popular president had been assassinated. George Perrault was a young Navy enlisted man at the time and was grabbed to be an Honor Guard for the president, who was to lie in state at the Capitol Rotunda. The most famous photo of the time shows four guards, one from each major branch of the service, standing at attention just off of the four corners of the casket. George was the Navy guard in that photo.

Tune in to hear George Perrault describe behind-the-scenes activity and his feelings during one of the most important events of his lifetime…and the humorous story of how the Honor Guard was literally caught with their pants down by Ethel Kennedy.

 "WHINSEC"
(Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation)

 Protests!

Every year as many as 20,000 protestors show up at Ft. Benning, Georgia to protest WHINSEC. They claim that this institute, located in the same buildings as the old School of the Americas, teaches torture to its mostly Central and South American military, police, politicians and other students.
If torture is being taught, shouldn’t we arrest the Board of Visitors who oversee WHINSEC; and see that they are charged with crimes against humanity? Or is the picture painted by SOAW, School of Americas Watch, disingenuous?

Listen to Veterans Radio on the Internet as Gary Lillie hosts the leadership of WHINSEC.
You have seen and heard the SOAW side of the story many times in the mainstream media. This time we will hear the WHINSEC side of the 

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Join us in celebrating 
 Veterans Radio’s 5th Anniversary
SALUTE TO AMERICA’S FINEST

(We could never have done it without you and your stories)

Join a trio of host, Dale Throneberry, Gary Lillie and Bob Gould as they discuss the fifth anniversary of Veterans Radio and Veterans Day. 

Most of those shows have been about you, extraordinary stories about ordinary men and women who have served in the armed forces of America.

This year’s anniversary coincides with Veterans Day and we want to know what Veteran’s Day means to you.

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"Who Will Get Your Vote For President?"

Undecided? Join host Gary Lillie and guests on the Veterans Radio Presidential Election Special and hear who should get the veteran vote.  After a coin toss, going first is Col. Dick Klass(ret. Air Force), Distinguished Graduate of the Air Force Academy, flew 200+ missions in Vietnam as a FAC (Forward Air Control) pilot, received two Masters Degrees as a Rhodes Scholar, served as a White House Fellow 1970-72, in the office of the Secretary of Defense 1977-80, and is now co-chair of the Veterans for Obama-Policy team. Col. Klass will state the case for supporting Senator Obama.

Next we will hear from Orson Swindle and Laig Sias for Senator McCain. Swindle is the former Assistant Secretary of Commerce who shared a cell with Senator McCain in North Vietnam. Lanf Sias is an Iraq War veteran, F-18 fighter pilot, former instructor at the Navy Fighter Weapons School (Topgun), curent F-16 pilot and now practices law specializing in corporate and securities issues. Swindle and Sias will state the case for Senator McCain.  

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"Rick Weidman from the Vietnam Veterans of America Legislative Staff"

Join Gary Lillie and our guest, Rick Weidman from the Vietnam Vietnam Veterans of America, as they discuss what veterans want and need from their legislators.

What are the issues this election year? What's important to veterans and what's important to you? Give us a call Saturday and join in this important discussion.

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"The Strongest Tribe"

Join Dale Throneberry and his guest Bing West, a Marine combat veteran, who also served as assistant secretary of defense in the Reagan administration.  His latest book, The Strongest Tribe, is based on fourteen extended trips to Iraq over six years, is the third book in West’s trilogy chronicling the war in Iraq.

During the fierce battle for Fallujah, Bing West asked an Iraqi colonel why the arch-terrorist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi had fled in women’s clothes. The colonel pointed to a Marine patrol walking by and said,”You Americans are the strongest tribe.  ”In Iraq, the United States made mistake after mistake. Many Americans gave up on the war. Then the war made a sharp U-turn. Two generals—David Patraeus and Raymond Odierno—displayed the leadership America expected. The Strongest Tribe brings the reader from the White House to the fighting in the streets and explains the remarkable turnaround by U.S. forces.

"Order Of The Silver Rose"

Join Dale Throneberry and his guest Gary J. Chenett, National Director of The Order of the Silver Rose this Saturday morning as they discuss the continuing problems of Agent Orange exposure. Go to their website http://silverrose.info for some very valuable information. You didn’t have to serve in Vietnam to be exposed to Agent Orange. It was used stateside on many military bases.

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"Operation Never Forgotten"

Join host Gary interview the dynamic Linda Kelly, founder of Operation Never Forgotten, as she describes her non-profit, non-partisian natinal media communications keeping those serving our country since 09/11/01 in the public forfront. __________________________________________________________________

"The Chosen Few"

Join host Gary Lillie as he talks with Bill Oltersdorf who took part in the "strategic withdrawal" from the Chosen Reservoir during the bitterly cold winter (-40F) of 1950. Bill was a young 15 year old Marine at the time when 30 Divisions of the Chinese Army stormed acrass the Yalu River and caught the United Nations allies by complete surprise.
Bill was badly wounded and sent to recover in Japan where he finally turned 16. When he returned to Korea in another battle his company was overrun and he was among only 9 who survived. Don't miss this incredible story.

Encore Presentation

Due to the importance and demand this week's program is a encore of last week's show titled "Call It Treason?"

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                                    Call it treason?
This week join host Gary Lillie, University of Michigan professor Bill Kauffman and investigative reporter Vince Wade as they discuss the growing danger from American military and industrial technology being turned over to dangerous nations, such as some in the Middle East. This is happening as young American men and womenare fighting a war against the same terrorist nations that may be benefiting from our own technology. Ist it money, anti-Americanism, or worse?

Korean POW:Robert Fletcher
Past national commander of American Ex Prisoners-of-War 

Join host Gary Lillie and Veterans Radio guest Robert Fletcher, a POW for nearly three years. Robert, an African-American, will tell of the brutal treatment he and his fellow Americans received when, with no food or ammunition, they were forced to surrender. He will tell of how the communists tried to use race to turn American against American. There were good moments, though, such as when an American Sabre jet shot down a Chinese MIG over their camp and, flying low, waggled his wings to them. “They knew where we were!” There was the return to our side of the lines. Your eyes may fill with tears as he describes looking across Freedom Bridge on the day of their release and seeing the American flag flying in the breeze.

Encore of our program from 24 May 2008
"Arlington"

                                    Joe Galloway Part II
Join host Gary Lillie as he continues his interview with Joe Galloway as he tells of the trips he and General Moore made back to Vietnam to meet with their counterparts and former enemies in the battles, their night spent on LZ X-Ray, and We Are Soldiers Still.

                                                Joe Galloway
                                          We Are Soldiers Still

If you have ever read We Were Soldiers Once...And Young, you know it was one of the finest and truest accounts of battle ever written. The authors, Joe Galloway and Lt. Gen Hal Moore (US Army-Ret) actually participated in the Battle of the Ia Drang Valley. And now they have written a sequel, which is the story of the book. Join Veterans Radio's Gary Lillie as Joe Galloway tells the story of his life, his battles, his Bronze Star with "V" device,(the only civilian to receive on in Vietnam), and his new book We Are Soldiers Still.
The song at the end of this program is called Comin' Home by Michael J. Martin a frequent guest on Veterans Radio. Martin was an Army Pointman with Americal Division, 68-69, and was awared Silver and Bronze Stars, the Purple Heart, and the Combat Infantry Badge.

                             CHRYSLER JEEP SUPERSTORES
                                 THUNDER OVER MICHIGAN
Months of preparation followed by three days of well coordinated action make up “Thunder.” Check out our insider interviews with those whose responsibility it is to carry out this mission, as well as the pilots who fly the air show circuit, will describe the inner workings of a large military aviation event.
Join the Veterans Radio crew; Gary Lillie and Bob Gould as they broadcast from the Yankee Air Museum at historic Willow Run Airport in Ypsilanti, Michigan.

On the ground in Iraq! 

Join host Gary Lillie as he interviews troops that have been on the ground in Iraq. What is it like to be on foot patrol and have an IED go off ten behind you? You hear the click of the trigger, feel intense heat, then the pain, and other than the ringing in your ears when you come to, silence.

You will hear first-hand accounts of our brave troops in harm’s way each and every day. They wear full body armor in 130-degree heat, get battened down in tanks and fighting vehicles heat up like ovens, drive trucks down roads where every piece of junk may be an IED. They are hungry, thirsty, bone-weary tired, lonely, homesick, and sometimes bored and terrified within the same moment. They do it willingly and they do it well. They are the best America has to offer.

                                                    POW/MIA
We'll be paying homage to one of the "Father" of the POW/MIA movement Col. Earl P. Hopper, Sr. who recently passed away.
We'll also be bring you up to date on the POW/MIA issues with Vietnam Veterans of America leaders Jack Devine, Gary Jones VVA POW/MIA Chair, Bill Duker Veterans Initiative Chair and Steve Thompson of JPAC External Affairs in Hawaii. Don't miss this most important program.

                                        Meet Ron Warhurst
Ron is currently the very successful Cross Country Coach, seven Big Ten Championships, at the University of Michigan. In his previous job, he walked "Point" for nine months in Vietnam as a Marine. After that he was part of a six man team that would enter enemy villages in the middle of the night and capture the local VC leaders. He was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal and two Purple Hearts.

Host Gary Lillie will also be talking with David Miller, COO of Con-way Freight, an international freight transportation company with 28,000 employees. Mr. Miller will describe the launch of a unique public-private partnership with the Army Reserves that will allow both organizations to recruit, train and employ individuals interested in both serving the nation and pursuing a career in the commercial freight transportation industry. 

                                           Veterans Helping Veterans
Guests include Lee Wonnacott, Ride Around America.com, who riding his motorcycle around the country taking pictures of the veteran's memorials in every county in America.  Doug Dellinger from Project Return to Work will be talking about Return 2 Work, a nationwide program developed to provide evaluation, training and job placement for veterans. And  Operation Never Forgotten founder Linda Kelly who is placing billboards all around the country reminding America of who our veterans are today..  

HELL HAWKS
The Untold Story of the American Fliers Who Savaged Hitler’s Wehrmacht

“Hell Hawks!" Sets a new standard for histories of the tactical air-war in Europe. Veterans authors Bob Dorr and Tom Jones combine masterfully crafted veteran interviews with the broader picture of the air war fought by the Thunderbolt men. This outstanding book raises the bar on aviation history as it brings alive the true story of an aerial band of brothers.”
Tune in to hear the incredible stories of this band of American pilots. The Hell Hawks were the 365th Fighter Group, three squadrons of fighter-bomber pilots. The story follows their adventures just prior to D-Day, June 4, 1944 across France and into Germany.. They flew the rugged, heavily armed P-47 Thunderbolt-affectionately known as “the Jug”.

The GI Bill
Then and Now

When President Roosevelt signed the original GI Bill in 1944 he said, “It gives emphatic notice to the men and women in our armed forces that the American people do not intend to let them down.”  Find out how this one act of Congress changed America forever. Author Suzanne Mettler joins host Dale Throneberry to talk about her great story, "Soldiers to Citizens-The GI Bill and the Making of the Greatest Generation". So what are we going to do for today’s veterans? There is a new GI Bill 2008 that has already passed both houses of Congress, but the President has threatened to veto it. Also joining us to talk about the new GI Bill is Colonel Robert F. Norton, (Ret.) Deputy Director, Government Relations from the Military Officers Association of America. Find out how much the new bill will cost, who’s eligible and will it really affect retention? This is a very important issue that will affect this new “Greatest Generation”.

Ford Motor Company’s
Arsenal of Democracy Legacy

In World War II, President Roosevelt called Detroit the “Arsenal of Democracy.” A giant contributor to that arsenal was the Ford Motor Company, which had earlier played a major role in the allied victory over the Central Powers in “The Great War,” or World War I. In WWII a B-24 Liberator bomber was produced each and every hour on the mile-long assembly line at the giant Ford Willow Run Bomber Plant near Ypsilanti, Michigan. In WWI Ford built the Eagle Boats (submarine chasers) at the Ford Rouge Plant. In both wars Ford produced everything from ambulances to gliders, trucks to jeeps, amphibian cars to anti-aircraft guns, V-12 aircraft to 4 cylinder jeep engines, helmets, raw material, and…Rosie the Riveter (a Willow Run Bomber Plant employee)!  This week join host Gary Lillie and Ford Motor Company Corporate Historian Robert Kreipke as they relive Ford Motor Company’s invaluable contribution to the ultimate defeat of Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan. The legacy lives on today.

After suffering devastating losses in the 1968 Tet Offensive, by early 1969 it became apparent that the North Vietnamese Army, the NVA, were regrouping along the Laotian border and within the A Shau Valley. Ten battalions, including units of the 9th Marine Regiment, the 3/5th Cav, and the 3rd ARVN Regiment participated in an attack to clear them out, capture their supplies, and cut off that section of the Ho Chi Minh Trail. The men of the 101st Airborne were assigned what turned out to be the deadliest part of the operation: Take a hill the Vietnamese named Dong Ap Bia. To the military it was Hill 937. To the men who fought to take it… and lived…it will always be known as:

Hamburger Hill

Join host Gary Lillie and two men of Co A, 2/506th, 101st Airborne Division; Art Wiknik, Jr. and Howard Siner, as they describe their part in the assault. The battle for Hamburger Hill lasted ten days. You will hear the personal stories of just one day of the battle, May 20, 1969. It will leave you exhausted; and knowing that you will not miss our follow up show with men who survived the entire ten days. Do not miss Veterans Radio this week.

Each year more than 4,000,000 people come to visit. More than 300,000 reside here. Over 500 more are added each week. Near-mythological stories of valor, commitment, sacrifice and patriotism surround you as you walk the grounds. It is the location of the Tombs of the Unknown Soldiers. The official name is Arlington National Cemetery, but known simply as:

Arlington

Join host Gary Lillie and guest Michael Patterson, webmaster of a site dedicated to Arlington National Cemetery, as we honor those who have died for our country and for freedom. Together we will learn more about the best known of the special places reserved for them.

The Donut Dollies Of Vietnam

627 American women signed up for the Red Cross Supplemental Recreation Activities Overseas program to go and entertain the two and a half million troops fighting the Vietnam War. That’s a 4,000 to one ratio. No wonder they were so popular. They came of age at the dawn of the women’s movement. Young, adventurous, idealistic, and committed, they were a breath of fresh air in the dusty firebases and sweaty base camps of Vietnam.  Heirs to a Red Cross recreational program started in World War II, the Vietnam girls didn’t have donut machines, but with a never-ending smile, a listening ear, and a collection of silly games, they delivered a touch of home to the combat zone.  Join  Dale Throneberry as he talks with three Vietnam Era Donut Dollies. Susan McLean, Emily Strange, and Holley Watts tell their stories of what it was like during their tours of duty.

Seduced by Secrets

Simon Wiesenthal, Nazi hunter, said they were "Worse than the Gestapo"Who were they? They were the feared East German Ministry for State Security; otherwise known as: Stasi.  Join host Gary Lillie and guest Kristie Macrakis, professor of the history of science at Michigan State University and Visiting Scholar at Harvard University, author of Seduced by Secrets, will take you inside the massive spy agency that the intelligence community considered a greater threat than the KGB. Why? Listen and you will learn why.

SOUND OFF!

Once again, Veterans Radio opens its lines so you can “sound off.” What’s on your mind?
How can we help our fellow veterans? How can we help our active duty military? What bragging rights does your organization have? What would you like to know about our military? Its traditions?
What about the capabilities of our troops? Their equipment? If we don’t know the answer, we bet one of our listeners will. Here’s your chance to share a positive story. Here’s your chance to “SOUND OFF” to host Dale Throneberry.

War is hell…that’s why we have the
“DOC”

The grunts will tell you the “Docs” were the bravest men they ever knew, and this Saturday you will learn why. Join host Gary Lillie as he interviews Army Medic Ray Essenmacher and Navy Corpsman Rick Whitsen; both of them combat ‘docs’ of the Vietnam War. Their stories will be graphic; and may wring out raw emotion. One thing is for sure; once you hear the stories they tell, you will thank every military person and veteran you meet for your freedom.

Winter Soldier I & II

Why did warriors leave “home” to serve in the Vietnam War, but “came back” when their tour was over? Why didn’t they go “home?”  Perhaps the main reason was the treatment they received from citizens who reviled our warriors, while praising those of other countries. What brought about that attitude? Did the protestors and our country hear the truth about our warriors? Join Gary Lillie as he hosts lively interviews on a very controversial subject. Did John Kerry receive funding from Jane Fonda to gather lies about our troops in Vietnam? The notarized statements he presented were entered into the Congressional Record.  If they are lies, does that constitute perjury to congress? And just what is Jimmy Carter up to these days? Is he connected with Winter Soldier II? Why is his picture posted on one of their web sites?

These Scars Are Sacred, Part II

These Scars are Sacred was written to heal and inform to give the American public some idea of what it was like to come home to a place where one was not wanted nor welcome. This story will take you from an extreme place of combat and fear so realistic you will feel yourself being there to an ending that never finishes. Elliott Storm, is a 100% combat disabled veteran and decorated combat Vietnam Veteran who served with the 1st Marine Division. Since we last talked with Elliott, “These Scars Are Sacred” has been picked up by Borders and is being marketed around the World. Storm has lectured at Yale University, the Navy War College and just about every “Veterans organization in Connecticut and Rhode Island”.

TBI and Project Salute

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is said to be one of the “signature injuries” of the conflict in Iraq, and accounts for a larger proportion of troop casualties than it has in previous wars.  In post-concussion/mild TBI patients, recovery time is within weeks/months. Patients with moderate to severe TBI may never fully recover their pre-injury function. We talk with Rick Briggs from the Brain Injury Association of Michigan to find out what is being done to help our returning veterans suffering from TBI.

The University of Detroit Mercy School of Law (UDM Law) has launched a nationwide tour of its Mobile Law Office (MLO). Their program, called Project Salute, provides free assistance and/or representation to thousands of low-income veterans exclusively on federal benefits issues throughout the United States.  UDM Law is the only law school in the country with an MLO (Mobile Law Office), a Recreational Vehicle that has been outfitted as a law office.  For the national tour, General Motors donated a specially designed, custom built, state-of-the-art RV.   Dale Throneberry talks with Professor Joon Sung about the program.

True Stories from Iraq and Afghanistan
As told by recently returned military personnel

On the 5th anniversary of the war in Iraq, we find the news media is pushing the Iraq and Afghanistan stories further and further off the front pages of our newspapers. In fact, according to a recent study by the Pew Research Center only 3% of the news media in February 2008 was devoted to covering the war. This week’s Veterans Radio is going to change that. Join us as we talk to a number of returning Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and find out what is really going on over there. What are the living conditions like there? How’s the morale? Are you getting the support you need? Are you getting the medical treatment you need? Tune in as Dale Throneberry gets the answers to these questions.

Native Americans in America’s Military

Throughout America’s history Native Americans have played an important and crucial role in America’s military. From the French and Indian Wars of the mid 18th Century up to and including the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, Native American warriors have proved their value again and again. Join Dale Throneberry this week and the true story of the Native American Warrior.

Nature’s fury…a meat grinder battle…a man cries out

Battlefield Promises

Two men, in different wars, facing different enemies, ask of God: “Get me through this and I will serve you the rest of my life.” Join host Gary Lillie and guests the Reverend Murl Eastman, a World War II Navy veteran and the Reverend John Steer, a Vietnam War 173rd Airborne veteran. What terror did they live through that cause them to call out to God and make their battlefield promise?

From Guadalcanal to Okinawa
And all points in between

The United States Coast Guard was there for all the island-hopping landings of World War II. Since 1790, the Coast Guard, then known as the Revenue Marines or the Revenue Cutter Service, has been enforcing our tariff and trade laws, preventing smuggling and protecting the coastline of America from pirates and drug-runners. We all think of the daring rescues we see of the Coast Guard saving lives at sea and on the Great Lakes. There is much, much more than just sea rescues to the United States Coast Guard today. Dale Throneberry talks with our guests Chief Petty Officer Robert Lanier, the Assistant  Public Affairs Officer for the Ninth Coast Guard District in Cleveland, Ohio and Scott Price, Assistant Historian for the Coast Guard out of Washington, D.C.

Gunship Pilots and Crews

Captains Mike Brown and Marco Cordon were the pilots of a AH-1G Cobra. Their Cobra was hit by an SA-7 missile at 4,000 feet and their tailboom was blown off. Dale Throneberry talks with Mike Brown and learns how he and his co-pilot survived their 4,000-foot free fall. Helicopters don’t do well without their tailboom. Randy Zahn, author of “Snake Pilot”, also joined us. Randy flew Cobras (Snakes) in Vietnam with the 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry from 1970-71. During his tour as a young nineteen-year-old Warrant Officer Randy earned 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 2 Air Medals with “V” device and 2 Army Commendation Medals with “V” device.

Why can’t we take care of our veterans?
Is it we can’t or we won’t?

The Bush administration recently sent their 2009 budget to Congress. All of the veteran’s organizations feel it is inadequate. According to The House Committee on Veteran’s Affairs Chairman, Bob Filner (D-Ca), not only does it not meet the health needs of our veterans, but it also proposes increasing fees and co-pays.Veterans not entitled to mental health care, U.S. lawyers argue. Who is responsible the Congress or the VA? Denial of Disability Benefits. Who makes the final decision? DOD or the VA? Keeping important medical studies secret. The Department of Veterans Affairs is coming under fire because of recently released studies showing an unusually high incidence of Hepatitis C and veterans.  Join Dale Throneberry as he explores these issues.

Full Mandatory Funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Due to technical difficulties we were unable to record the start of this show.

On Tuesday, February 5th, millions of registered voters in Illinois saw the following ‘yes or no’ question on their ballots:

“Shall the federal government be required to adopt full mandatory funding of the Department of Veterans Affairs for the purpose of ensuring that all eligible honorably discharged U.S. veterans receive quality and accessible healthcare and services?”

The state of Illinois is expecting a record turnout of Military Families for the February 5th Primary Election. Operation Firing For Effect has inspired a growing number of politicians and civic organizations to adopt the full mandated funding concept. Last month, the New York State Senate unanimously passed a resolution based on OFFE’s original resolution calling for full mandated funding of the VA. The OFFE Crusade has also gained the endorsement of well-known celebrities, including Willie Nelson and Bill Cosby, both veterans of U.S. military service. New Mexico has also embraced the OFFE concept.  OFFE is currently collecting signatures in California on a statewide petition that would place the same VA funding question on their statewide November general election ballot.  Dale Throneberry talks with Jere Beery from Operation Firing For Effect and other guests this week on Veterans Radio.

These Scars Are Sacred

These Scars are Sacred was written to heal and inform to give the American public some idea of what it was like to come home to a place where one was not wanted nor welcome. This story will take you from an extreme place of combat and fear so realistic you will feel yourself being there to an ending that never finishes. The author, Elliott Storm, is a 100% combat disabled and decorated Vietnam Veteran who served with the 1st Marine Division. Join Dale Throneberry as he talks with Elliott.

Join host Gary Lillie and guests Gerry Corrigan, Johnny Mayo and Perry Money as they recount the stories of their dogs. Johnny, an Army scout dog handler, had two dogs, Tiger and Kelly. Perry, a former Marine, handled Missy, a mine and booby trap detecting dog. What did these German Shepherd dogs do to save the lives of Americans. What was their fate?
Hear all about them on…

 War Dogs II

Many dogs did not make it.

Rhapsody in Junk

 “All the planes from Horsham St. Faith that day were B-24s, designated as “heavies.” The darkness lifted by 4:30 a.m., and a partly cloudy morning shone through for take-off. By 7:32. a.m. the lead bomber of the 96th Combat Wing moved out. The hulking “Rhapsody in Junk” waited to swing around off the tarmac and onto the runway.  . . . . . . . Up in the cockpit, the pilot, Northrop understood the futility of their plight. He put the nose wheel down to surrender to the Germans, but beneath the smokescreen, they kept firing. Once down, he could not get the wheel back up, and it blocked the exit through the nose wheel hatch. He hit the bail out bell just outside the flak area. With just eighteen combat hours, the crew’s wings would be clipped, and they would spend the rest of the war on the ground as prisoners of war of the Third Reich.”  Host Dale Throneberry and award winning author Marilyn Jeffers Walton talk about her father’s last flight on Rhapsody in Junk.

If you weren’t there you may have wondered how combat in Vietnam looked. As a combat veteran you may have wanted your family and friends to know what you experienced, but could not express it. Now anyone can see and hear the experience of the 19-22 year old American grunt by purchasing the most amazing documentary of the Vietnam War. It was produced by perhaps the bravest movie cameraman who ever covered that war…and…he was Australian.

Shakey’s Hill

Join host Gary Lillie and award-winning cinematographer Norman Lloyd, along with former Bravo Co, 5/7 Cav infantrymen Russ Failing and Bill Little as they discuss battling the NVA in Cambodia, including the day that 19-year old “Shakey” was killed on the hill that was later named for him.