The National Defense

A Thousand Letters Home: One WWII Soldier's Story of War, Love and Life

thenationaldefense@vfw.org — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:23:36 PST

The National Defense welcomes the CEO of SportClips, Gordon Logan as well as the leading fundraisers for the "Operation Uplink" program through the SportClips Franchises. Jerry and Randy also speak with the author of "A Thousand Letters Home: One WWII Soldier's Story of War, Love and Life," Teresa K. Irish.

Protecting Military Families from Scam Artist

thenationaldefense@vfw.org — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:52:49 PST

The National Defense welcomes Holly Petraeus of the Office of Service Member Affairs, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, to discuss efforts being taken to protect military families from scam artists. The program also welcomes Mary Lou Darst, author of "War Ready: In My Father's Shadow" to The National Defense.

The United States' Shift in Foreign Policy

thenationaldefense@vfw.org — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 09:25:21 PST

The National Defense welcomes Prof. Andrew Lubin back to the program to discuss the United States' shift in foreign policy under the Obama administration. Jerry and Randy also feature a great story about "Pizza 4 Patriot" and talk to the head of the organization, retired Master Sergeant Mark Evans about this program that has sent thousands and thousands of pizzas to our service members overseas.

Upcoming Changes to Medical Records in the United States

thenationaldefense@vfw.org — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 11:53:07 PST

The National Defense welcomes CEO of MedFX, Colin Barry, to discuss the upcoming changes to medical records in the United States, as well as Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleader, Lauren Keeley to talk about her work to support disabled children stateside and military personnel overseas.

Happy New Year!

thenationaldefense@vfw.org — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 06:51:17 PST

The National Defense wishes you a happy new year, and the show kicks off 2012 with stories about easing the transition from life in uniform to civilian life. Randy and Jerry welcome CW Conner, Founder of LifeQuest Transitions, Steve Caldeira of the International Franchise Association, Mike Rozman of Boefly, and Army veteran/Quizno’s Franchisee Craig Rector to the program. The National Defense continues to give a voice to those working to better the lives of America’s military service members.

The Best of 2011!

thenationaldefense@vfw.org — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 06:53:27 PST

The National Defense wishes you and yours and happy and healthy New Year! This week, the show looks back over some highlights of 2011’s broadcasts including trips to New Mexico for memorial march in honor of those who made the Bataan Death March, as well as Jerry’s interview with the Commander of NATO forces in Afghanistan, Gen. Caldwell. And what highlight show of 2011 could be complete without the incomparable, Ricky Lee? Happy New Year!

Veterans and the Job Market

thenationaldefense@vfw.org — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 14:01:42 PST

The National Defense welcomes Ted Daywalt, CEO and President of VetJobs to discuss the job market for veterans returning from tours overseas as well as wishing you and yours a very happy and healthy holiday season.

The War in Iraq is Over!

thenationaldefense@vfw.org — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 08:45:59 PST

The National Defense welcomes Senator Claire McCaskill back to the program to discuss the end of official military operations in Iraq as well as a multitude of veterans' issues. Jerry broadcasts from San Antonio, TX, and fills us in on Operation Rising Star, as well.

Bean Soup and Tenneesee Hounds on "the Hill"

thenationaldefense@vfw.org — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 09:16:44 PST

The National Defense opens up this week by speaking with Major Russell Staley to discuss the upcoming "Operation Toy Drop" at Fort Bragg. Randy also discusses his recent trip to Washington D.C.

'The Afghan Deception'

thenationaldefense@vfw.org — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 08:55:44 PST

The National Defense welcomes author W.C. Hatounian to talk about his new book "The Afghan Deception" as well as speak with Prof. Andrew Lubin about the current state of Pakistan and his upcoming Marine documentary.

The National Defense Welcomes Daniel Indiviglio of 'The Atlantic'

thenationaldefense@vfw.org — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 11:00:46 PST

The National Defense wishes you and yours a happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday! This week, Randy and Jerry speak with Daniel Indiviglio of "The Atlantic" about recent efforts in Congress to increase hiring rates of unemployed veterans.

Welcome Back VFW National Commander DeNoyer

thenationaldefense@vfw.org — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 11:26:08 PST

The National Defense welcomes VFW National Commander-in-Chief, Richard DeNoyer, back to the program. This week, Randy and Jerry discuss with Richard his recent travels overseas to visit our troops, as well as his visits with members of Congress on Capitol Hill.

A Special Veterans Day Show

thenationaldefense@vfw.org — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 07:53:39 PST

This week The National Defense serves up a special Veterans Day show dedicated to all American veterans!

Happy Veterans Day!

thenationaldefense@vfw.org — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 07:49:14 PST

The National Defense wishes you and yours a happy Veterans Day this Friday, Nov. 11! This week Randy and Jerry highlight some great programs and activities supporting American Veterans all around the world. We speak with Steve Van Buskirk, Director of Programs for the VFW, April Harrington of the Yellow Ribbon Program at Lipscomb University, and “The Cheese Lady” Sarah Kaufmann.

Red Cross and Google Team Up for Wounded Warriors

thenationaldefense@vfw.org — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 09:34:37 PDT

The National Defense welcomes Peter Maheera from the Red Cross and Joe Demite from Google to discuss the hundreds of new Google Chromebooks being distributed to our wounded warriors at Walter Reed and other military hospitals by the Red Cross. The National Defense also welcomes back friend of the program, Prof. Andrew Lubin to discuss his most recent trip to Iraq and Afghanistan

The National Defense welcomes Secretary of the USDA, Tom Vilsack.

thenationaldefense@vfw.org — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 07:45:05 PST

The National Defense welcomes CEO of Sportclips, Gordon Logan, back to the program. We also speak with Secretary of the USDA, Tom Vilsack to talk the American Jobs Act and the "Returning Heroes/Wounded Warrior Tax Credits."

TND Welcomes Singers & Songwriters

thenationaldefense@vfw.org — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 13:42:09 PDT

The National Defense features singers and songwriters this week as Jerry and Randy welcome Keni Thomas and Darden Smith to the program.

VFW's Emergency Financial Assistance Program and You

thenationaldefense@vfw.org — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 13:41:47 PDT

The National Defense welcomes Mike Penney, Director of National Military Services for the VFW to discuss the VFW's "Unmet Needs" program as well as the VFW's emergency assistance grants.

Predatory Practices Seek to Take Advantage of College Bound Vets

thenationaldefense@vfw.org — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 09:18:15 PDT

The National Defense welcomes Ryan Gallucci back to the program to talk about predatory practices by a few colleges and universities seeking to take advantage of American veterans wanting to attend college. Ryan updates us on the latest "Ten for Ten" issues from Capitol Hill as well. Jerry and Randy also speak with Shawn O'Connor of MyMilitaryPages.com .

VFW National Comander DeNoyer and VFW's "10 for 10"

thenationaldefense@vfw.org — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 08:22:27 PDT

The National Defense welcomes newly elected VFW National Commander, Richard DeNoyer, to discuss the VFW's "Ten for Ten" initiative. Jerry and Randy also speak with author Vicky Benson about her new book "Out of the Turret and into Hell."

VFW: Protecting Veteran's Benefits

thenationaldefense@vfw.org — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 07:58:27 PDT

The National Defense welcomes Ray Kelley, Director of Legislative Services for the VFW to discuss the VFW's work on Capitol Hill to protect Veteran's benefits. Jerry also speaks with Dan Parker, Associate Director for Membership about the place for younger veterans in college and the VFW.

Deputy Secretary for the VA, Mr. Scott Gould

thenationaldefense@vfw.org — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 07:54:53 PDT

The National Defense continues it's fantastic lineup of guests for this week's program as Jerry interviews Deputy Secretary for the V.A., Scott Gould to discuss the current state of the V.A. and the opportunities and challenges that exist on the horizon. Jerry also speaks with Iraqi-War veteran John Gallina of Purple Heart Homes, as well as welcoming friend of the program Mike Derosa of Burger King.

Medal of Honor Recipient, SFC Leroy Petry

thenationaldefense@vfw.org — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 19:44:00 PDT

The National Defense has a fantastic lineup of guests for this week's program as Randy interviews USAA CEO Job Robles, and Jerry brings us interviews from the VFW National Convention in San Antonio, TX as we welcome the most recent recipient of the Medal of Honor, SFC Leroy Petry, CEO of Sports Clips Gordan Logan, and Reese Kimball of Empower Processing. Also, as a special bonus to our listeners on the web, a sneak preview of more great interviews by Jerry Newberry coming up!

Fighting to Make Washington Uphold Promises to Veterans

thenationaldefense@vfw.org — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 11:56:27 PDT

The National Defense welcomes Deputy Legislative Services Director Ryan Gallucci to the program to highlight the VFW's work on their "Ten for Ten" program as the VFW fights to make Washington DC keep their promises to the American military service members and their families.

KC Chiefs Support VFW's "Return the Favor"

thenationaldefense@vfw.org — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 09:30:35 PDT

The National Defense is on the road this week in St. Joseph, MO for Kansas City Chiefs training camp. The Chiefs are continuing their support of the VFW's "Return the Favor" program, and our hosts speak with Ryan Kuhn, Mitch Holtus, and KC Chiefs Cheerleaders Liz and Lindsey about their support of our troops and veterans.