Veterans Radio Archives 2009
Part 1 January-November, 2009

07 Nov 2009	“American Spirit Center”  OF BRIGHTON MICHIGAN PRESENTS A PRE-VETERANS DAY EVENT Join the Veterans Radio crew as we take a "Walk through history" during this remote broadcast from Brighton, Michigan. We talk with veterans from World War II, Vietnam, Desert Storm, and Iraq and Afghanistan
31 Oct 2009	“SERVANT OF GOD” Father Emil J. Kapaun, Chaplain, US Army ‘He wore the cross of the Chaplain branch instead of the cross rifles of the infantry.  He was the best foot soldier, the bravest man, and the kindest individual I ever knew.  His name, Fr Emil Joseph Kapaun, a priest of the Roman Catholic Church’. Quote by  1st Lt. Ray M. Dowe, Jr. In 1950, Father Emil J. Kapaun, Chaplain, US Army, a native of Pilsen, Kansas, was Chaplain of the 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Calvary Division, Korea.  He became a legend among the troops he served, distinguishing himself on the field of battle both as a soldier and a Chaplain.  During the early days of the Korean War Father Kapaun ministered both spiritually and physically to his fellow soldiers, particularly the sick, wounded and dying.  Captured, 2 November 1950 by North Korean / Chinese Soldiers, Father Kapaun  was confined at Prison Camp #5, Pyoktong, North Korea until his death in May 1951.   Granted title of “Servant of God” by the Catholic Church, Father Kapaun is the Most Decorated Chaplain in US military history.  Currently, he is being considered for the Congressional Medal of Honor.
24 Oct 2009	USS Washtenaw County Join host Gary Lillie and guests retired Chief George Perrault and PO 1st Class Tom Osmond.  Both of them served on LSTs and Osmond served on the USS Washtenaw.  He said of those he served on, the USS Washtenaw Coiunty was his favorite ship.
17 Oct 2009	1st Lt. Adam Betz - Michigan National Guard What happens when the IED a terrorist is setting goes off prematurely causing near-fatal wounds and his life is saved by the Americans he was trying to kill?·What is it like to run over 300 missions during a single tour in Iraq?  Join host Gary Lillie and guest Lt. Adam Betz, who did three tours in Iraq; the first two as a Marine grunt and the third as an Army platoon leader. Betz says, “I sleep better at night knowing that my men and I made a difference.”

10 Oct. 2009	Military Writers Society of America Listen to the remote broadcast that was done LIVE from Orlando Florida. Dale Throneberry is covering the Military Writers Conference.  Tune-in and listen to Dale interview award-winning authors and the stories behind the stories.
03 Oct. 2009	An Aussie’s Vietnam Experience Australia has long been a close friend of the United States so it was natural that their government would commit troops to Vietnam to help fight the communist invasion from the north. After all, there was a real threat to their country if it spread. Join host Gary Lillie and guest Allan Wood,  to hear the story of one Australian in the Vietnam War; and how his life has been since.
26 Sept 2009	Distant War Join host Dale Throneberry and Marc Yablonka, author of  “Distant War: Recollections of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, this week on Veterans Radio. Some of the articles we’ll be talking about include: Doctors in a War Zone: The Ultimate Training Ground, Indomitable Spirit at the Hanoi Hilton: Vice Admiral James Bond Stockdale, Everything is Okay Now: Nick Ut (the picture of the little girl running naked from an air attack), Standing by Their Men: Donut Dollies, Dog Tags Take the Long Way Home: David and Kurt Arnold, Serving With Distinction…On Four Legs!: Dogs in Vietnam, From AFVN to Wheel of Fortune: Pat Sajak and many many more powerful and inspiring stories. See the complete list at Merriam Press .
19 Sept 2009	Captain John C. (“Jack”) Ensch Join host Gary Lillie and guest John Ensch, a back-seater who flew 285 missions over North Vietnam in an F-4 Phantom. On 23 May 1972 his F-4 shot down two MiG-17 fighters – on the same mission!  Unfortunately, a few months later, on 25 August 1972 Captain Ensch was himself shot down by a SAM (surface-to-air-missile).  His pilot was killed and Ensch was held as a POW until 29 March 1973.
12 Sept. 2009	On our August 29th program we announced the nominees for the Military Writers Society of America 2009 Book Awards. Join host Dale Throneberry and MWSA member Rob Ballister, Lead Reviewer and 2009 President’s Award Winner, as they announce the 2009 winners in the following categories: Other guests include Vice President Mike Mullins to talk about the “Oral History” and the “Open Mic” program taking place at the MWSA Conference in Orlando in October. President Joyce Faulkner and Secretary Pat Avery will be announcing the People’s Choice Award Finalists and Marc Yablonka, one of the newest members of MWSA, will tell us what being a member of the Military Writers Society of America means to him and his new book Distant War: Recollections of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. Visit their web site at www.militarywriters.com
05 Sept. 2009	West Point & the ROTC Join Veterans Radio and our special guests who will give us some of the storied past and contributions to our country by the graduates of both institutions – as well as some little known facts. As an example, Forbes magazine just ranked West Point as the #1 college in the nation, ahead of #2 Princeton, #3 Cal Tech, #4 Williams, and #5 Harvard. We’ll also talk about some of the buildings at West Point and their namesakes.
29 August 2009	A Legacy of Two Fathers Jerry Yellin , member of The Military Writers Society of America and author of Of War and Weddings and The Blackened Canteen was born in Newark, New Jersey on February 15, 1924. He completed high school in June 1941. H e enlisted in the Army Air Corps on his 18th birthday, Feb. 15, 1942, and graduated from Luke Field in August, 1943 as a fighter pilot He was in combat in the Pacific Theater and Iwo Jima with the 78th Fighter Squadron and participated in the first land based fighter mission over Japan on April 7, 1945 and the last mission of the war on August 14, 1945. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with an Oak Leaf cluster and the Air Medal with four Oak Leaf clusters. He was discharged a Captain in December 1945. Of War and Weddings , A Legacy of Two Fathers is Jerry Yellin's legacy to his family, to his country and to the nation of Japan. The book is not just Yellin's extraordinary story of his experiences as a fighter pilot in the Pacific during World War II. it is also a story of the prejudice spawned by war and carried in the hearts of two war veterans, both military pilots, one Japanese and one American. Through the marriage of their children, the two fathers learn to make peace with their war experiences and allow the burdens of hatred for a nation and for a race to be lifted from their lives. And we announce the 2009 Award Nominees for the   Join host Dale Throneberry and President Joyce Faulkner, Founder Bill McDonald and  Chief Reviewer Rob Ballister as they announce the nominees for this year's MWSOA awards and the winners of their prestigious 2009 Founder’s Award and the 2009 President’s Award. Award winners will be announced on our September12th program. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about some of the best military writers in America. And Richard Lowry outlines what's going to be happening at the annual Military Writers Conference in Orlando, Florida October 9-11 2009. For more information on the Military Writers Society of America and a complete list of the nominees go to their website www.miltarywriters.com
22 August 2009	The GI Bill                                Then and Now Formally known as the Serviceman's Readjustment Act of 1944, it was far from an obvious, straightforward piece of legislation, but resulted from tense political maneuvering and complex negotiations. Unlikely coalitions emerged to shape and pass the bill, bringing together both New Deal Democrats and conservatives who had vehemently opposed Roosevelt's social-welfare agenda. For the first time in American history returning soldiers were not only supported, but enabled to pursue success--a revolution in America's policy towards its veterans. Once enacted, the G.I. Bill had far-reaching consequences. By providing job training, unemployment compensation, housing loans, and tuition assistance, it allowed millions of Americans to fulfill long-held dreams of social mobility, reshaping the national landscape. The huge influx of veterans and federal money transformed the modern university and the surge in single home ownership vastly expanded America's suburbs.   ”Anyone who has doubts about what government 'can do' should read this book. It provides a detailed example of the successes that were achieved when government 'did.'"--The American Chronicle Join host, Dale Throneberry, and author Glenn Altschuler as they talk about the history and importance of the original GI Bill and the new Post 9/11 GI Bill.                                                   For more information on the Post 9/11 GI Bill go to www.gibill.va.gov _________________________________________________________________________
15 August 2009	Sammy L Davis MOH For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life and beyond the call of duty. Sgt. Davis (then Pfc.) distinguished himself during the early morning hours while serving as a cannoneer with Battery C, at a remote fire support base. At approximately 0200 hours, the fire support base was under heavy enemy mortar attack. Simultaneously, an estimated reinforced Viet Cong battalion launched a fierce ground assault upon the fire support base. The attacking enemy drove to within 25 meters of the friendly positions. Only a river separated the Viet Cong from the fire support base. Detecting a nearby enemy position, Sgt. Davis seized a machinegun and provided covering fire for his guncrew, as they attempted to bring direct artillery fire on the enemy. Despite his efforts, an enemy recoilless rifle round scored a direct hit upon the artillery piece. The resultant blast hurled the guncrew from their weapon and blew Sgt. Davis into a foxhole. He struggled to his feet and returned to the howitzer, which was burning furiously. Ignoring repeated warnings to seek cover, Sgt. Davis rammed a shell into the gun. Disregarding a withering hail of enemy fire directed against his position, he aimed and fired the howitzer which rolled backward, knocking Sgt. Davis violently to the ground. Undaunted, he returned to the weapon to fire again when an enemy mortar round exploded within 20 meters of his position, injuring him painfully. Nevertheless, Sgt. Davis loaded the artillery piece, aimed and fired. Again he was knocked down by the recoil. In complete disregard for his safety, Sgt. Davis loaded and fired 3 more shells into the enemy. Disregarding his extensive injuries and his inability to swim, Sgt. Davis picked up an air mattress and struck out across the deep river to rescue 3 wounded comrades on the far side. Upon reaching the 3 wounded men, he stood upright and fired into the dense vegetation to prevent the Viet Cong from advancing. While the most seriously wounded soldier was helped across the river, Sgt. Davis protected the 2 remaining casualties until he could pull them across the river to the fire support base. Though suffering from painful wounds, he refused medical attention, joining another howitzer crew which fired at the large Viet Cong force until it broke contact and fled. Sgt. Davis' extraordinary heroism, at the risk of his life, are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army.
7 August 2009	Jon Voight His Journey From Vietnam War Protester to Vietnam Veteran Promoter Congress has declared March 29 of each year as National Vietnam Veterans Day.  March 29, 2010 falls on a Monday, so Jon Voight is spearheading a national movement to recognize Vietnam Veterans in a nation-wide celebration on March 28, 2010. In 1978 Jon Voight won an Academy Award for portraying a paralytic Vietnam Veteran in the film Coming Home; a film that definitely portrayed the best and the worst of Vietnam Veterans; the worst being Hollywood’s stereotypical image of the Vietnam Veteran and the Vietnam War. It has been said that Jon Voight believed in that stereotype. In an August 1, 2009 speech at the Vietnam Veterans of America convention, Voight expressed his regrets for those days and his admiration of those he now calls warriors. Join host Gary Lillie and guest Jon Voight to hear Voight’s call to action for a     March 29, 2010 national party – along with his reflections on the past and present

1 August 2009

Invisible Wounds Join host Dale Throneberry and his guest Rick Briggs, Veteran's Program Director for the Brain Injury Association of Michigan, to find out what are some of the problems with those who have experienced TBI and what is being done to help our returning veterans recover. We will also be talking with some survivors of TBI and hear their stories about how they are coping with this devastating and mostly “Invisible Wound”.

	25 July 2009 Michigan Cuts VSO's Budget 25% What's happening in your state?  Since 1927, the State of Michigan has provided appropriations to Veterans' Service Organizations to provide the Veterans of Michigan advocacy in obtaining and retaining veteran benefits. On May 5, 2009, the governor issued Executive Order 2009-22 mandating budget cuts for the current operating year. Due to this order, Veterans' Service Organizations were cut 25%. This has had a severe impact on the ability of Veterans in the state to obtain assistance in applying for benefits, as many of these organizations have had to downsize their staffs and operations. Don't miss Veterans Radio this Saturday as we talk about this very important story with Phil Smith, Director/Chief Veterans Service Representative VVA State Council of Michigan and others. How is the economy affecting veterans in your state? We want to hear from you. And we'll be talking with Kelly Trudell, singer/songwriter from Grass Lake Michigan  about  her new song "Cold Sweat" a beautiful tribute to Vietnam Veterans. 18 July 2009 AGENT ORANGE We have all heard of Agent Orange and what it has done to Vietnam Veterans – right?  Sadly, you have heard little about it. You have not heard how it may affect future generations – perhaps your own; how it may affect you, and how its most dangerous components may be in use around you… and…even by you. This week join host Gary Lillie and Agent Orange activists, Vietnam Veterans of America members George Claxton, Sandie Wilson and Jim Doyle. They will tell you things about Agent Orange that are sure to make you demand action – to protect not only you, but more importantly, to protect future generations. For starters go here, but not if you are squeamish:               http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agent_Orange 11 July 2009 Happy Birthday America Part II  The History of the American Dream  (Famous and not so famous quotes from our forefathers) “There are those, I know, who will say that the liberation of humanity, the freedom of man and mind, is nothing but a dream.  They are right.  It is the American dream.”   Archibald MacLeish Join Veterans Radio this week as we continue with our celebration of America through the words and music that tell America’s story. ”This country will not be a good place for any of us to live in unless we make it a good place for all of us to live in.”  Theodore Roosevelt         ”Some Americans need hyphens in their names, because only part of them has come over; but when the whole man has come over, heart and thought and all, the hyphen drops of its own weight out of his name.” Woodrow Wilson _________________________________________________________________________   4 July 2009                                  Happy Birthday America!                  This is an encore program from Veterans Radio Join Veterans Radio this week as we celebrate America's bithday through the words and music that tell America's story. Lee Greenwood may have said it best for many of us with his famous "God Bless the USA", especially the line, "I'm proud to be an American because at least I know I'm free". Guests include Theresa Sloat, writer and director of a short but very powerful and personal film, "Still There". You don't want to miss her amazing redition of the "Star Spangled Banner".
27 June 2009	Tales of Our Fathers- Part II Last week we heard some great stories about our fathers. In fact, we ran out of time to hear them all. So, we decided to do a Part II of our Father’s day program. And... Author, Tim Drake, has written a beautiful and meaningful story about his grandfathers. Inherited Freedom is “A grandson’s reflection on World War II through his grandfathers’ experiences, and the translation of their service to the privileges and ultimate responsibilities of later generations”. “This book will make you want to find out more about your family’s history. I promise it will give you some insight into why you are the way you are today.” Dale Throneberry  And…Congressman Bob Filner, Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs will be joining us to talk about two big VA stories. First, some of the recent problems with surgical equipment sterilization and improper surgical procedures at a number of VA facilities and H.R. 1016, which is landmark legislation designed to secure timely funding for veterans' health care delivered through the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).
20 June 2009	Tales of our Fathers - Part 1 What did your father do in the military? This is Father’s day weekend and Veterans Radio wants to hear the stories you heard growing up. Here’s a way to honor your Dad or Grandfather by telling his story to an audience that really cares and wants to hear them.  Author Gail Chatfield, author of a great book of stories, “By Dammit, We’re Marines! Veteran’s Stories of heroism, Horror, and Humor in World War II on the Pacific Front” will join your host, Dale Throneberry, to talk about the amazing veteran’s stories she has gathered over the years.   Don’t miss this chance to share those incredible stories. That’s an order!!
13 June 2009	The British are coming! The British are coming!  'Captain Dan Throop'   Join host Gary Lillie and guests Fred Veigel and Elmer White on Veterans Radio as they describe the revelation that Captain Dan Throop, who led his Connecticut militia to the first battle of the Revolutionary War, lies in an unmarked grave in Judd Cemetery, York Township, just south of the City of Saline, Michigan. On July 3rd at 11:00 AM Eastern a tombstone will be unveiled and dedicated over his grave. 19 April 1775 Lexington and Concord Bridge By the rude bridge that arched the flood, Their flag to April’s breeze unfurled, Here once the embattled farmers stood, And fired the shot heard round the world. The foe long since in silence slept; Alike the conqueror silent sleeps; And Time the ruined bridge has swept Down the dark stream which seaward creeps. On this green bank, by this soft stream, We set to-day a votive stone; That memory may their deed redeem, When, like our sires, our sons are gone. Spirit, that made those heroes dare, To die, and leave their children free, Bid Time and Nature gently spare The shaft we raise to them and thee                     Ralph Waldo Emerson
06 June 2009	June 6, 1918 ”It’s Thursday afternoon, June 6, 1918, near Belleau Wood in France and the sergeant knows it’s time. The officers are dead. Most of the noncommissioned officers are gone and what’s left of the platoon is hunkered down at the edge of a wheat field awaiting the word. He gets to his feet and steps into the waist-high wheat, heedless of the bullets buzzing in the air. Looking over his shoulder he shouts, ‘‘Come on, you sons of b———! Do you want to live forever?” In ‘‘Miracle at Belleau Wood: The Birth of the Modern U.S. Marine Corps,” Alan Axelrod has demonstrated his mastery at portraying battle at its most brutal and bloodiest. The fight for Belleau Wood had the most Marine casualties until the Battle of Tarawa in WWII. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Alan Axelrod’s amazing story of how the legend and “Espirit de Corps” of the United States Marine Corps was born in this bloody battle to save Paris in the “War to end all wars”.   Alan Axelrod is the best selling author of Patton on Leadership (1999), The Complete Idiot’s Guide to World War I (2000), America’s Wars (2002), Patton: A Biography (2006) and Encyclopedia of the U.S. Marines (2006).
30 May 2009	Teaching the Vietnam War… …the students perspective Each year Pioneer High School (Ann Arbor, Michigan) teacher Brent Richards invites Vietnam veterans into his classroom to bring alive the Vietnam War. It began with the veterans addressing individual classrooms, one after the other, which did not give enough time to satisfy the imagination or the questions of the students…and, it was emotionally draining on the veterans. So Richards and the veterans began to have lunch several times a year to debrief after the previous presentations and brainstorm what would improve them.   After the last Vietnam Veterans’ Day in the Pioneer High School classroom Gary Lillie asked Brent Richards if he and some of his students would appear on Veterans Radio to hear what the students had to say about the presentations. Richards quickly agreed. Tune in this Saturday for a delightful and educational interview with Pioneer High School teacher Brent Richards and the three high school girls who volunteered to go on-air.
23 May 2009	Special Encore Presentation for Memorial Day 2009 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 and founder of the website dedicated to the Arlington National Cemetery www.arlingtoncemetery.net , 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.
16 May 2009	What’s Going On? Many things are happening in Congress and the new administration that will affect many of us. Here’s your chance to find out “What’s going on?” Among our guests this week is the Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Congressman Bob Filner (D-CA). The Committee recently approved five bills that would improve benefits and services to veterans provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs We will also be welcoming the Attorney General of the State of Connecticut and BIG Veteran’s Advocate, Richard Blumenthal. Mr. Blumenthal has been at the forefront in the fight for veterans benefits and veterans issues not only in Connecticut but throughout New England and the country. And he is fellow veteran having served as a sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Also joining us on our call-in line was Elliott Storm author of These Scars Are Sacred. Join your host Dale Throneberry this Saturday as we talk about the stories and issues that are so important to all of us.
9 May 2009	Happy Mother's  Day Veterans Radio takes a look a Mothers and Women in the military. Host Dale Throneberry talks with Col. Christine Cook, United States Army Reserves, assigned to the Army War College's Strategic Studies Institute, about her deployment to Kuwait and the effect it had on her and her family. Col Cook has written a book about her year in Kuwait entitled Living on Tattooine (A.K.A. Kuwait). And... Amy Goodpaster Strebe, author of Flying for Her Country, The American and Soviet Pilots of World War II. A fascinating and great story about the women flyers during WWII. These amazing women did everything that was asked of them. The American pilots were members of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP). Their missions included, ferrying aircraft and towing targets, test flights and being flight instructors here in the states. While their Soviet counterparts were flying actual combat missions against the Germans in defense of their homeland
2 May 2009	Joyce Faulkner, President of the Military Writers Society of America, an association of more than eight-hundred authors, poets, and artists, drawn together by the common bond of military service.  Most of their members are active duty military, retirees, or military veterans.  A few are lifelong civilians who have chosen to honor our military through their writings or their art.  Their only core principle is a love of the men and women who defend this nation, and a deeply personal understanding of their sacrifice and dedication. And Keith Famie from Detroit our Greatest generation and Elliott Storm, author of These Scars Are Sacred
25 April 2009	Joe Galloway Joe Galloway spent 22 years as a correspondent and bureau chief for U.S. News and World Report.  His postings in Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia, India and Singapore, included four tours as a war correspondent in Vietnam, a tour in the 1971 India-Pakistan war,l UPI Bureau Chief in Moscow and he rode with the 24th Infantry in the assualt into Iraq during Desert Shield/Desert Storm.  Galloway co-authored We Were Soldiers Once...And Young about the battle of LZ X-ray in Vietnam  Galloway became the only civillian to be awarded the Bronzew Star by the U.S. Army for bravery in Vietnam.
18 April 2009	THE DOOLITTLE RAID From the deck of the USS Hornet 17 B-25's launched, destination Japan, with America's first response to Pear Harbor on the shoulder of those brave air crews.  April 18th marks the 67th anniversary of the "Doolitle Raid".  Guest historian, John Johns, and retired B-25 pilot, Capt. Bob Bolinder, will tell the tale of that dramatic mission.  Don't miss it
11 April 2009	The Navy Cross/Silver Star Navy and Marine Corp Gallantry in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other conflicts The Silver Star and its companion book The Navy Cross were written to document the heroism of the young men and women who have fought and continue to fight an enemy bent on destroying freedom in the world. In the ongoing war against global terrorism, our servicemen and women continue to carry out their missions with determination and great courage. They display a dedication to their tasks and to each other that must be recognized and preserved for future generations. These books provide that recognition for their gallantry. Join Dale Throneberry and Gary Lillie and their guest; author Scott Baron as they tell some of the stories about the courageous men and women who have been awarded the Silver Star and the Navy Cross. Both book are available from the Naval Institute Press.
04 April 2009	What's Bothering You? This is your chance to say it out loud - to the nation! Join host Dale Thronberry and Gary Lillie as they take calls on What's Bothering You.
28 March 2009	Leave No Man Behind                                   The Saga of Combat Search and Rescue For nearly one-hundred years, Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) crews have been charging into situations from which most would flee. "Shot down miles behind enemy lines. Wounded, disoriented and moments from being surrounded by a hostile force intent on taking a prisoner or taking a life. these are the moments where the difference between life and death exists in minutes and hours, not days and months. These are the moments for which Combat Search and Rescue was created." from Zenith Press, publisher of Leave No Man Behind Join Dale Throneberry and author Tom Phillips as they talk about the history of Combat Search and Rescue and tell some of the amazing and incredible stories of CSAR. Phillips began his flying career as a Navy pilot flying attack helicopters in Vietnam, including POW rescue operations with Navy Seals. He now works as a Navy tactics analyst and flight simulator instructor. *This program does not include a Medal of Honor segment.
21 March 2009	USS Hoel   THE SINKING OF THE USS HOEL AND THE TWO MEN WHO LIVED TO TELL ABOUT IT. Join host Gary Lillie and guests Robert Prater and Larry Morris, two seamen who survived the sinking of the USS Hoel – then survived heat, thirst and sharks while they waited for rescue they believed would never come. The gallant destroyer HOEL was sunk during the Battle Off Samar by the Imperial Japanese Navy Centre Force, the first ship of [Task Force] Taffy III to be lost. She was credited with torpedoing the heavy cruiser HIJMS HAGURO, all the while being shot at by battleships and several heavy cruisers. Two-hundred fifty-two men were killed during the action, fifteen more perished after spending two days on rafts awaiting their rescue. All told, four American ships were sunk, many damaged, but more than 1,100 survivors of the GAMBIER BAY, HOEL, JOHNSTON and SAMUEL B. ROBERTS  were picked out of the ocean by the ships of the hastily formed rescue TASK GROUP 78.12.  Midway through the interview, host Gar Lillie mentions that we had satelite problems and we lost the first four minutes of the program.  Howeve, we were able via our in-studio recording equimpemt recover those missing four minutes that were not broadcast live.  We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
14 March 2009	Bob Feller - Baseball Hall of Famer and WWII Navy Veteran Join host Gary Lillie and guest Bob Feller the only retired Navy Chief who is a member of a major sports Hall of Fame: “Rapid Robert” Bob Feller. Bob Feller's 1936 debut in the major leagues was explosive, when, as a 17-year old rookie he struck out eight St. Louis Cardinals in three innings. He struck out 15 St Louis Brown batters later that year and then 17 Philadelphia Athletics. Before he left his teens his 100-MPH fastball sent 18 Detroit Tigers back to the dugout.  Feller lost 3 1/2 years in the prime of his career when after the 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor he was the first major leaguer to enlist in the military. Still, by the time he retired in 1956 he had played 18 years, won 266 games, hurled 3 no-hitters, struck out 2,581 batters and earned a place in baseball's Hall of Fame
7 March 2009	U.S. Navy Seabees Join host Gary Lillie and guest Rear Admiral Benjamin Montoya, retired, as they discuss the 67th birthday of the U.S. Navy Seabees (5 March 1942); Admiral Montoya's role as chair of the CEC-Seabee Historical Foundation, along with his chosen task of  raising funds for, and, involvement in  building the new Seabee Museum at the west coast home of the Seabees in Port Hueneme, California. Admiral Montoya will tell the stories of World War II Seabees he met along the way, and their legacy for future generations of Seabees. We build - We fight CAN DO
28 Feb 2009	Why Vietnam Matters- Part II                          An Eyewitness account of lessons not learned In Part I  we learned about the early American involvement in Vietnam from WWII up to the Kennedy Administration. Our guest, Rufas Phillips, was in Vietnam as a member of the Saigon Military Mission in 1954. Mr. Phillips later worked as a CIA civilian case worker in Vietnam and Laos, then joined the U.S. Agency for ZInternational Development's Saigon Mission to lead its counterinsurgency efforts. In 1964 he became a consultant for USAID and the State Department and served as an advisor to Vice President Hubert Humphrey.   In Part II we are going to look at some of the major decisions that were made in the early and mid-1960’s including the strategic hamlet program, (What went right or wrong), the 1964-68 decisions made by Ambassador Henry Cabot Lodge, Secretary of Defense McNamara and president Johnson and finally what lessons should we have learned and how do those lessons apply to Iraq and Afghanistan.
21 Feb 2009	FAC (Forward Air Controllers) The Ho Chi Minh Trail stretched from North Vietnam to the Delta south of Saigon. The Ho Chi Minh Trail was a 16,000 kilometer network of paths, roads and waterways that allowed North Vietnam to ship war materials and supplies to the south. For most of the War the trail was off limits to ground troops because it ran through "neutral" Laos and Cambodia. The only way to prevent these supplies from getting through was by air attack. But before you can attack a target you need to know where it is...and that was the role of the Forward Air Controller (FAC). Flying low and slow over the jungles of Laos and Cambodia the FAC pilot had to have courage and amazing skill. Join host Gary Lillie and guest, former FAC pilot David MacKay, as they talk about his time flying low and slow marking targets for our "fast movers" while dodging intense anti-aircraft fire. Don't miss David MacKay's incredible "real life" story.
14 Feb 2009	Why Vietnam Matters                             An eyewitness account of the lessons not learned                                                  Part I "Why Vietnam Matters is a major contribution to the history of Vietnam. It contains important lessons for the wars America is currently fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. So much of what the current generation of military and civilian officials claim are new doctrines and ideas are identical to programs and strategies that were virtually all tried in Vietnam.” Richard Holbrooke from his forward to Why Vietnam Matters. Join Veterans Radio host Dale Throneberry as he talks with the author, Rufas Phillips, about the people and events that led up to the Vietnam War. Some of the key players we’ll be talking about are Dwight Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, General Maxwell Taylor, General William Westmoreland, Robert McNamara, Henry Cabot Lodge, Ngo Dinh Diem, Nguyen Cao Ky and the well respected diplomat Edward Lansdale.
7 Feb 2009	Welcome Back Veterans The University of Michigan Depression Center and Department of Psychiatry has received a $350,000 award from Welcome Back Veterans.org and The McCormick Foundation in Chicago to address the "invisible brain injuries" among returning Iraqi and Afghanistan veterans and to help their families. These problems include lack of sleep, PTSD, depression, relationships with family and friends and other associated problems.   Join host Dale Throneberry and his guests Jack Amberg, Senior Director of Veterans Programs for The McCormick Foundation and Dr. Gregory Dalack, Interim Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Michigan.
24 Jan 09	"Joe Galloway" Joe Galloway co-authored We Were Soldiers Once…And Young about the 1965 Vietnam battle of LZ X-Ray; a book Mel Gibson made into a movie. In that battle Galloway became the only civilian to be awarded the Bronze Star for bravery in Vietnam. He and General Hal Moore have followed up with We Are Soldiers Still; the fascinating story behind the story. LZ X-Ray was not Galloway’s first battle and it was far from his last. Vietnam was not to be his last war, either. Galloway became such a seasoned war correspondent that Knight Ridder Newspapers had him write a how-to memo, which was also a survival guide, for its reporters that were to be imbedded with our troops going into Iraq.  Join host Gary Lillie and guest Joe Galloway this Saturday to hear the amazing life of a war correspondent; where he has been, who he has met and what he has seen.
17 Jan 09	"A New President...A New Congress" What does it mean to our Military and Veterans? To learn, join host Garry Lillie and guests Dick Klass and Matt Cary.  Klass was co-chair of Veterans for Obama-Biden and on November 1st he represented Obama on the Veterans Radio Presidential Elections program. Matt Cary is president and a founding member of Veterans and Military Familes for Prrogress (VMFP). We will hear both of htem give their educated estimations of what this administration and Congress will mean for active dty military personnel and veterans, alike.
10 Jan 09	“Saigon Gold” “In the final hours of the American War, a fortune in gold sinks in the Saigon River.  Robert Anderson returns to contemporary Vietnam seeking atonement for wartime casualties. Instead he is thrust into a dangerous scheme to recover the treasure, unaware that he is being watched. Anderson and his companion, Jenny Ngo, face overwhelming odds at every turn as they race around scenic Vietnam, staying one step ahead of pursuers and a mysterious killer.  All the while, China’s emerging navy lurks in the background, threatening the balance of power in the Western Pacific.” Join Dale Throneberry and his guest; author Hugh Scott this Saturday morning as they discuss his new novel Saigon Gold. Hugh Scott served 20 years as a Regular Army officer, including two years in Vietnam with U.S. and ARVN infantry units. He is an honor graduate of the Army Command and General Staff College at Ft. Leavenworth, KS. He served two tours in Vietnam, first as advisor to a national training center in Baria and an infantry battalion of the 7th ARVN Division in the Mekong Delta. Later, he served as assistant brigade and battalion operations officer (S3) with the 199th Light Infantry Brigade near Xuan Loc, 50 miles northeast of the capital of Saigon. He has returned to Vietnam three times in recent years to collect material for his book and its accompanying website. www.SaigonGold.com
03 Jan 09	"Pork Chop Hill" What words adequately describe the character of young Americans who fight to keep another nation free? And they do just that…South Korea is free today, thanks in great part to young men in our military. Join host Gary Lillie and Bronze Star recipient Harvey Williams, a forward observer with the 7th Division, 49th Artillery. Mr. Williams participated in a number of Korean War battles during a time when politics and negotiations replaced strategy and tactics. Where did that leave the men doing the fighting? You will find out when you tune in this week to hear the story first hand from a man who fought in a bitterly fierce battle during the closing days of the Korean War - while nations stalled, waiting for the other to blink. The battle for Pork Chop Hill has been memorialized in books and even a movie starring Gregory Peck.