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18 May 2013	Beyond Survival In February of 1966, while flying combat missions over North Vietnam, his RA5-C reconnaissance jet was downed by enemy fire. He parachuted safely but was captured immediately. For the next seven years he was held as a POW in the Communist prisons of North Vietnam. After his repatriation in February, 1973, Jerry returned to operational duties. He retired from active duty in the Navy after 28 years of service. BEYOND SURVIVAL, Captain Coffee gives a moving account of his incredible experience from capture to ultimate release. His faith - in himself, others, his country, and his God - was the key to turning an unbelievably difficult, potentially devastating experience into an opportunity for personal growth. Captain Gerald Coffee is an inspiring example of the power of the human spirit to survive and triumph over the most adverse circumstances. His story conveys a positive message that we each have the potential to survive any ordeal, overcome any obstacle, achieve any goal. And, Vietnam Prisoners of War to Reunite on 40th Anniversary of Homecoming to America Hero veterans will be honored at two-day celebration including a family barbeque and formal dinner at Richard Nixon Presidential Library. The reunion will take place on May 23 and 24, 2013. It will be held 40 years to the date when President and Mrs. Nixon hosted them for what still holds as the biggest dinner ever held at the White House. Learn more about this great event with our guest, Foundation President Sandy Quinn, from The Richard Nixon Foundation.
11 May 2013	What Is Going On? Have you been reading the news over the last 10 days? You will not believe what is going on. Here are just two stories to get us started: 1. According to new numbers released last week by the Department of Defense, there were 26,000 cases of military sexual assault in 2012, a 34.5 percent increase from 2011; the number of victims believed not to be reporting their attacks skyrocketed to 92 percent. Beyond the raw sex assault statistics, the military's system of justice is also under great scrutiny for how it deals with cases. Current regulations allow commanding officers to reverse criminal convictions, which critics argue present enormous potential conflicts of interest. Guests are New York Times Congressional Correspondant Jennifer Steinhauer and Michigan National Guard Col Christine Cook. 2. 1. A Pentagon ban on proselytizing has left some conservative activists fearful that Christian troops — and even military chaplains — could face court martial for sharing their faith. Our guest is Col. Robert Certain Executive Director of the Military Chaplins Association Join hosts Bob Gould and Dale Throneberry and their guests this week on Veterans Radio
4 May 2013	Syria There isn't much else to say. The name says it all. Conflict, Hizballah, Al Qaida, rebels, Assad, intervention, military action, quagmire, Iran….who or what are we supporting if any of these issues. Veterans Radio will focus on the civil war in Syria with guest host J. Robert DuBois, former Navy Seal and author. Don't miss it.
27 April 2013	“At Ease” How time flies! With its April 27 edition, “At Ease” begins its second year on Veterans Radio. Host and bestselling author Dwight Jon Zimmerman celebrates the start of the show’s sophomore year by welcoming new guests artist/writer Wayne Vansant and retired SEAL Mike Ritland, and returning guest New York Times bestselling author Stephen Coonts who talk about their latest books. PIRATE ALLEY by Stepehn Coonts is the latest thriller starring his heroes Jake Grafton and Tommy Carmellini. A luxury cruise ship is captured by pirates off the Horn of Africa who enforce their authority with shocking savagery and a callous disregard for human life. When the pirate leader announces that he will free the hostages for $200 million, it seems to be just another example of ransom-demanding piracy. But the truth is that once the ransom is paid, Islamic militants plan to sweep in, take the money, and slay the hostages in hopes of provoking a massive U.S. military response that will inspire an anti-American jihad throughout the Muslim world. Grafton and Carmellini must find a way to free the hostages and bring the pirates before time runs out. TRIDENT K9 WARRIORS by Mike Ritland with Gary Brozek is the fascinating story of today’s military working dogs from the point of view of a retired SEAL who trains them. For the first time ever, readers get an inside look at these elite K9 warriors—who they are, how they’re trained, and the extreme missions they undertake to save countless lives on the field of battle. From detecting explosives to taking down enemy combatants in one-on-one physical struggles, these powerful dogs are some of the smartest and highest skilled working animals on the planet. THE GRAPHIC HISTORY OF GETTYSBURG by Wayne Vansant is a brilliant achievement. Rich in drama, accurately detailed, this is a benchmark addition to the historiography of the bloodiest battle in the American Civil War. “The book provides a nice visual summary of the Battle of Gettysburg for almost any reader. The quality of the illustrations is quite good for a work of this type and price, and no slight is intended by describing the style as ‘top-quality comic book art on slick paper.’ You wouldn't expect to find fine art in nearly a hundred pages of color drawings for well under twenty dollars.” - *National Parks Traveler*
20 April 2013	Helping Civilian Mental Healthcare Providers Work With Their Military Patients This week on Veterans Radio we will be discussing the stigma many veterans have about going to see civilian mental health providers issues, and therefore refuse to visit these providers. Most soldiers returning from deployment believe that civilian mental health providers do not understand their specific issues, and therefore refuse to visit these providers. What our guests have been doing to implement a Two-Tier program to teach and instruct civilian mental health providers on the differences between civilians and soldiers when it comes to their therapy, and to remove the barriers soldiers have when choosing to to visit mental health care providers. For more information go to www.starproviders.org Our guests this week on Veterans Radio include: Tom Anderman-Director of Psychogical Services for the Michigan Army National Guard CPT Nicholas Anderson-Commander of HHT 126 CAV, Presenter of the Peer Support Programs Chaplin (1Lt) Paul Leply-Coordinator of STAR Behavioral Health, Mental Health Counselor for Veterans of America, and Secretary of the Board for Zero Day Today's program was produced and hosted by SPC Brian Redmer. Great job Brian!
13 April 2013	Powerful Peace A Navy Seal's Lessons on Peace from a Lifetime at War J. Robert DuBois is a security advisor who was once labeled a “smart power authority” while assisting U.S., British and Iraqi forces in Baghdad. A multilingual Navy SEAL with experience in more than thirty nations, he retired in 2006…then headed back into Iraq and Afghanistan to support commanders facing complex threat situations. In Powerful Peace, J. Robert DuBois takes on a crucial, unprecedented mission for a U.S. Navy SEAL: the relentless pursuit of interpersonal and international peacemaking. With gut wrenching candor and surprising moments of comedy, he narrates a personal journey through decades of conflict, its often-absurd origins, its ever-present innocent victims, and its potential solutions. Captain Gerald Coffee was unavailable this morning for his interview. We will reschedule his amazing story for a later date.
6 April 2013	“SERVANT OF GOD” Father Emil J. Kapaun, Chaplain, US Army In 1950, Father Emil J. Kapaun, Chaplain, US Army, a native of Pilsen, Kansas, was Chaplain of the 8^th Cavalry Regiment, 1^st Calvary Division, Korea. He distinguished 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, at the hands of his captors, 23 May 1951. Granted title of “Servant of God” by the Catholic Church Father Kapaun is the Most Decorated Chaplain in US military history. On April 11 President Obama will award the Congressional Medal of Honor for Father Kapaun. Join Veterans Radio Host Bob Gould and guests: Father John Hotze Priest and Judicial Vicar for the Catholic Diocese of Wichita, Roy Wenzl, national award winning reporter for the Wichita Eagle and co-author of "The Miracle of Father Kapaun", William "Bill" Funchess, soldier and fellow POW who was THERE at camp 5 all together to honor a great humanitarian. Don’t miss this true story of courage and sacrifice.
30 March 2013	At Ease. We were unable to record this program due to a power outage during the program
23 March 2013	Iraq-10 Years Later Ten years ago, this month, the United States and their coalition partners invaded Iraq to eliminate the threat of Weapons of Mass Destruction supposedly being stockpiled by the Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. Hussein was also accused of providing a safe haven and support for members of the Al Qaeda terrorist group responsible for the attacks on 9/11/2001. So where are we now, ten years later? Hussein is gone along with his WMDs. What really happened and what lies ahead for the people of Iraq? Mission accomplished? According to Statista.com and other sources the war in Iraq cost 4487 American lives, 32,323 physically wounded, 121,874 Iraqi lives and over $807.4 Billion Our guests this week include Iraq veterans; retired Air Force Captain Damon Peterson, Army Staff Sargeants Mike Schinsky and Eric Wiltfang.
16 March 2013	"MISSION TO TOKYO" The B29 mission to Tokyo was a tremendous gamble that Major General Curtis LeMay decided to take when it when it became apparent the American air campaign against Japan was failing. Robert F. Dorr's book "Mission To Tokyo", Zenith Press, details the rise of the overall B-29's mission toward the Pacific war effort. Dorr tells how the gamble of the March 9, 1945 - 68th anniversary now -was won in a brilliant fashion along with the heart rendering losses of both American air crews and the Japanese population. Join host Bob Gould, author Robert F. Dorr and current B-29 pilot Paul Stojkov for a look at a pivotal day in Army Air Force tactics.
March 9, 2013	Sound Off!! What's Bothering You? We are as frustrated as you are with today’s news, politicians, bureaucracies, and we’re not going to take it anymore. What’s bothering us? I’ll tell you what’s bothering us: This sequestation thing. Who are the adults here? How about taking at least some “baby steps” to get our economy back on track. What is really going on with the war in Afghanistan? Medals for drone pilots? Problems with the VA? Are you getting all the benefits you deserve? (I almost used the word “entitlements” but I can’t stand to hear that one more time). You earned your benefits with you blood, sweat and tears. Are the benefits enough to live on? Politics. Ugh!! What’s the difference anymore? Who can you trust? And anything else you can think of. There’s a lot of frustration among our listeners and here is your chance to “SOUND OFF” Get it off your chest and we know you’ll feel much better. Guests included Lynn Phillips from the Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund, Mike Hoffman from Military.com and veterans advocate Nick Swan.
2 March 2013	Michigan War Dog Memorial In 1936 the Elkow family of Lyons Township, Michigan built the "Happy Hunting Grounds Pet Cemetery." In 1946 when the news of how many lives had been saved by War Dogs during WWII local residents raised the necessary money to install a monument to show their respect to their heroic K-9's. By the mid 80's interment had stopped and over the next 25 years nature took over. In the summer of 2010 Phil Weitlauf, Project Director of the Michigan War Dog Memorial, was told about an abandoned war dog monument at the corner of Milford Rd and 11 Mile in Lyon Township. Phil took his trusted companion Cody, a German Shepherd, to take a look. When they arrived at the corner we saw nothing but a heavily wooded area. They parked the car and went for a walk and there it was a large granite monument with the words "The War Dog". As we looked around we could see several headstones buried in the foliage and brush. The site was in horrible shape…and that’s when Phil knew something had to be done to preserve “The War Dog” monument. We know you all love stories of these amazing dogs. Not only are the dogs amazing, but so are the humans who love them. Join guest, Phil Weitlauf and others, this week on Veterans Radio to hear the whole story. We also give an update on our partner and friend Vance McCrumb. Vance, better known as "Dogman" was a dog handler in Vietnam. He was in a terrible car accident at the end of February and is now recovering.
23 Feb 2013	Veterans Radio presents "At Ease" with host Dwight Jon Zimmerman Peter Lerangis is the co-author of the young adult novel Somebody, Please Tell Me Who I Am. It’s the story of Ben Bright, a popular high school student who surprises and baffles his family and friends when he announces that he’s enlisting in the Army after graduation because he feels a deep need to give back, to protect his country. During his tour of duty in Iraq, his parents receive a notification all parents dread, their son’s been seriously wounded by an IED. The brain damage is extensive, and when Ben comes home, he can barely speak, or write, or walk—or remember anything about his identity, his family, or his friends. What follows is a wrenching account of Ben’s efforts to rebuild an identity that was shattered on a dusty, anonymous street in an unnamed village in Iraq. Jake Tapper, now with CNN, is the former senior White House correspondent for ABC News. He is the author of The Outpost: An Untold Story of American Valor. It is the gripping saga of the group of brave, doomed solders who were stationed at Combat Outpost Keating, a base that never should have built. The men endure repeated attacks. Finally, in October 2009, insurgents deliver their most powerful attack. Named the Battle of Kamdesh, approximately 60 troops fought more than 300 insurgents who held l the advantages. When the all-day battle concluded, the men of COP Keating had al won. It was one of the most intense battles in the war, and one of the most decorated—Staff Sergeant Clinton L. Romesha would receive the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions “above and beyond the call of duty.” Brilliantly reported, it is a story packed with unforgettable characters, tension, violence, betrayal, love, and heartbreak.
16 Feb 2013	Protecting the Jobs of Our Civilian Soldiers ESGR, a Department of Defense committee established in 1972, promotes cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component Service members and their civilian employers and to assist in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee's military commitment. ESGR representatives work in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam-CNMI, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. ESGR volunteers and staff promote and enhance employer support for military service in the Guard and Reserve. Often, their work supports the goals of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). USERRA protects service members' reemployment rights when returning from service in the military, and prohibits employer discrimination based on military service or obligation. USERRA protects civilian job rights and benefits for veterans and members of Reserve components. Join us this Saturday on Veterans Radio with host Colonel Christine Cook and her guest Lt. Colonel Cynthia H. Norwood to learn more about ESGR and USERRA. LTC Norwood is currently at the Army War College seeking a Masters of Strategic Studies. LTC Norwood also is a Senior Assistant Attorney General for the Office of the Attorney General of Virginia, working as counsel to the Virginia Department of Veterans Services. She has served as an Ombudsman for the DOD Employer Support of the Guard & Reserve (ESGR) since 2002, and has served as the Ombudsman Director for the ESGR Virginia Committee since 2010, and has extensive experience working with USERRA. Find out what legal rights our National Guard and Reservists have regarding their civilian careers. If you know someone whose employer did not keep their job open for them after they completed their active duty you don’t want to miss this important program.
Feb 9, 2013	A COMBAT MEDIC IN AFGHANISTAN Join host Bob Gould as he explores the makings of being up close and up front in Afghanistan with Terry Miller and Mike Alfassa, US Army Medics. What personal experiences: fear, camaraderie, just "being there", will they share with us.
Feb 2 2013	What really happened during the "Tet Offensive" in 1968? Did US Forces win the battle and lose the war? Our guests include, military historian author and director of the department of military history at the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Lt. Col. (ret) James Willbanks. "In the Tet Offensive of 1968, Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces launched a massive countrywide attack on South Vietnam. Though the Communists failed to achieve their tactical and operational objectives, James Willbanks claims Hanoi won a strategic victory. The offensive proved that America's progress was grossly overstated and caused many Americans and key presidential advisors to question the wisdom of prolonging combat." Michael D."Moon" Mullins, award winning author. Author,"Vietnam in Verse, poetry for beer drinkers",co-author of "Kings of the Green Jelly Moon, the Book", and author of novel "Out of the Mist: Memories of War." Mike is a Vietnam Veteran, Delta 3/7, 199th Light Infantry, '68-'69, Military Writers Society of America board member and proud supporter of the Wounded Warrior Project. Were you in Vietnam during "Tet"? Give us a call Saturday morning..
Jan 26 2013	Veterans Radio Presents “At Ease” New York Times bestselling author and "At Ease" host Dwight Jon Zimmerman is proud to welcome a diverse, exciting, and special group of guests to the January 26th edition of "At Ease." Charles Oldham, editor in chief of Faircount Media's line of military themed magazines and its Defense Media Network website returns with an update on news and articles of military events past and present. Sanddra M. Lindhart talks about her award-winning children's stories with important social themes such as parent separation as a result of deployment (the "Boots" series) and her latest release "Pickysaurus Mac," a parable about a young dinosaur suffering from a condition known as Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). Karen Jeffries is president of Veterans Moving Forward, a non-profit organization that provides free of charge fully-trained service dogs to veterans suffering physical and mental health challenges. Ms. Jeffries will talk about her organization, how it selects and trains the dogs and the various services the organization provides. It's truly a heart warming story and a much-needed service.
Jan 19 2013	Dr. Tom’s War A Daughter’s Journey One fateful day, Lucia Viti stumbled upon an ancient Harry & David fruit box while cleaning the attic. The box was filled with Vietnam memorabilia-the remnants of her father's tour of duty in 1967 as a Battalion Surgeon in An Hoa. Lucia became obsessed with a need to reconnect with the memories of her father and spent four years traveling across America, gathering stories from the Marines of the Second Battalion Fifth Marine Regiment, First Marine Division who served alongside her father. This quest to learn about a Dr. Tom she never knew turned into a unique journey of discovery through the eyes of a very special brotherhood of young men. A journey that weaves the Marine esprit de corps with the horrors and humor of war with a first-hand, no-holds-barred perspective on combat life in Vietnam in 1967. “Dr. Tom’s War – A Daughter’s Journey is the story of a woman’s journey into her father’s past as she learns of war and those who are called to fight it. Ms. Viti learns the meaning of the core values of honor, courage, and commitment shared by Marines and those, like her father, who wore Marine green if only for a short time. Dr. Tom’s War – A Daughter’s Journey displays the cold reality of deceit by those who ‘want to-be’. Take this incredible journey with her. You will not be disappointed.” — Ron Christmas, Lieutenant General, USMC (Ret) Former, Commanding Officer, “Hotel” Company, 2/5 “Tom Viti was a heroic ‘Doc’ who struggled to save Marine lives—on and off the battlefields of Vietnam. Lucia Viti is the loyal daughter who sought to understand the events, during those two unforgettable years, that shaped her father’s life. Father and daughter come together in Dr. Tom’s War—A Daughter’s Journey. Well told, in large measure through the gritty recollections of the men of the Second Battalion/Fifth Marines who lived them, the book details the daily sacrifices they made for each other, Corps, and Country. Sacrifices by our Vietnam Veterans that I fear may never be fully appreciated by their fellow Americans.” — Gen. James T. Conway, USMC (Ret) 34th Commandant, U.S. Marine Corps
12 Jan 2013	Patriots Will Surviving the Great Depression and World War II Combat By Jack C. Hubbard PATRIOT'S WILL describes a salt-of-the-earth member of the greatest generation, his exploits in World War II as an Army flyer in B-17s in the 8th Air Force, and his return to duty after the war ended. This tanker/turned MP/turned radio operator-gunner fought to join the 369th Bomb Squadron of the 306th Bomb Group and fly his 24 missions. His down-to-earth firsthand accounts of serving and living with men of the 369th give the reader a graphic feel of life in wartime England and in flak-laden German and French airspace. PATRIOT'S WILL is a must read for all who are interested in World War II, who had friends or relatives in the 8th Air Force, or who want to freshly appreciate what our young men did and how they performed when duty called”…Jerry Hilmes, Lieutenant General, US Army (Retired) This fascinating memoir follows an adventurous young man through the perils and triumphs of the Great Depression and World War II. Just an unbelievable look back at history through the eyes of a true American. If you would like to purchase an autographed copy of *Patriots Will,* please contact Mr. Hubbard at jhubbard121@gmail.com or 239.433.1210.
5 Jan 2013	North Korea The most dangerous place on earth right now is North Korea. At the end of 2012 North Korea successfully launched, after many failed attempts, a three stage rocket into orbit. The balance of power in South East Asia is now in the hands of the North Koreans. The U.S. has had plans for several possible crises for some time. Join Bob Gould and his guest Dr. Rebecca Grant, President of IRIS, as they discuss the North Korea's technology and saber rattling and who is backing North Korea now. IRIS is a public policy research organization for the United States Air Force and a frequent guest on Veterans Radio as well as The Military Channel.

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