The National Defense

'Research Week' to Improve Veterans Lives

thenationaldefense@vfw.org — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:06:39 PDT

The National Defense welcomes Dr. Joel Kupersmith from the Department of Veterans Administration to discuss "Research Week" and the fascinating research being done to improve the lives of those that have served their country. While Jerry is on assignment in China, Randy brings you Scott Halliwell of USAA to answer your financial planning questions.

Rolling Thunder

thenationaldefense@vfw.org — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:14:11 PDT

Randy speaks with Erik Fleming, the author of "Rolling Thunder" to discuss his book and the 40th anniversary of the Vietnam war. Also on the show this week, journalist, critic, and author, Aaron Barnhart, to the program to discuss the American Civil War and his new book "The Big Divide." Aaron's book highlights one of the regional hotbeds of activity during the Civil War; the Missouri/Kansas border.

VetJobs

thenationaldefense@vfw.org — Tue, 07 May 2013 08:37:20 PDT

The National Defense highlights employment for veterans this week as Ted Daywalt of VetJobs joins the program to discuss recent work being done on Capitol Hill by VetJobs for servicemembers looking for work. Scott Halliwell from USAA talks with Randy about the important financial planning that surrounds military service, both before enlisting, and after a military career is completed.

VFW Talks Claims Assistance

thenationaldefense@vfw.org — Tue, 07 May 2013 08:33:08 PDT

The National Defense opens up this week's show by highlighting a recent trip that Randy and Jerry took to Texas to meet up with Sport Clips CEO Gordon Logan, and some of the exciting news on the horizon for veterans on behalf of Sport Clips. Then, Jerry and Randy welcome Ron Cherry, VFW National Service Officer, to talk about the work of the VFW on behalf of those seeking claims from V.A.

Public Security

thenationaldefense@vfw.org — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 09:29:34 PDT

The National Defense welcomes Tim Conahan of Signal 88 Security to discuss a topic very much in the headlines this week, public security. Randy and Jerry discuss the work of the VFW and it's membership to impact the lives of veterans for the better, and USAA's Scott Halliwell highlights the positives and negatives of the housing market.

'Getting it Done'

thenationaldefense@vfw.org — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 06:25:45 PDT

The National Defense welcomes author John M. Capozzi to discuss his new book, "Getting it Done." USAA's Scott Halliwell joins the program as he does each week, and Randy and Jerry speak with the Director of Membership for the VFW, Bob Crider.

The National Defense Welcomes Back Senator Claire McCaskill

thenationaldefense@vfw.org — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 06:22:04 PDT

The National Defense welcomes longtime friend of the program, Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill to the show. Senator McCaskill talks about the myriad issues that she is tackling on behalf of the US Military and veterans. We also speak with USAA's Scott Halliwell about his "Final Four" tips for financial security.

'Apocalypse 101'

thenationaldefense@vfw.org — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 08:06:40 PDT

The National Defense welcomes Mike Kozeliski of the new Nat Geo program "Apocalypse 101" to discuss his Colorado groups efforts to train people to handle emergencies of any kind. Scott Halliwell of USAA joins the program as he does each week, and the Director of Legislative Affairs for the VFW, Ray Kelley, joins the program to talk about the work being done for veterans on Capitol Hill by the VFW.

The Westboro Church Escapee

thenationaldefense@vfw.org — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 07:38:06 PDT

The National Defense welcomes Lauren Drain, author of a new book exposing the inner workings of the Westboro Baptist Church, and speaks to her about her own personal experiences, including the picketing of military funerals under the leadership of Fred Phelps. USAA's Scott Halliwell gives pointers on issues to consider when starting your own business.

What Was Up in Washington?

thenationaldefense@vfw.org — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 07:37:29 PDT

The National Defense welcomes Jerry back from DC. Then Ray Kapaun the nephew of Chaplain Emil J Kapaun. Emil is being posthumously honored at the White House with the Medal of Honor for his amazing feat of heroism during the Korean War.

Chair of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, Rep. Jeff Miller

thenationaldefense@vfw.org — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 06:49:32 PDT

The National Defense welcomes the Chair of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, Rep. Jeff Miller to the program, as well as the National Commander of the VFW, John E. Hamilton, to discuss the sequester and various other veterans' issues.

A Week of Winners

thenationaldefense@vfw.org — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 06:47:00 PDT

This week VFW welcomes two VFW Voice of Democracy Winners and later welcomes Joel Rubin of the Ploughshares Fund to the confirmation of Chuck Hagel as the new Defense Secretary of the United States.

A Fascinating Interview with Wally Funk

thenationaldefense@vfw.org — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 11:10:26 PST

The National Defense is digging themselves out from under the winter storm sweeping over the midwest (look out east coast!) This week, check out a fascinating interview with an even more dynamic individual, Wally Funk, the recepient of the VFW's National Aeronautics and Aerospace Award. We'll be back next week with more great interviews on The National Defense!

The Role of Women in Front-Line Combat

thenationaldefense@vfw.org — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 08:21:00 PST

The National Defense welcomes Jacquee Alvord to discuss her experience as a woman in the USMC and her take on the recent shifts on the role of women in front-line combat. Randy and Jerry also speak with comedian Bernie McGrenahan about his comedy tour to educate American troops around the world. Scott Halliwell of USAA talks to The National Defense about the pitfalls of student loan debt.

Employment Numbers for Veterans

thenationaldefense@vfw.org — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 08:14:45 PST

Randy and Jerry welcome back Ted Daywalt of VetJobs to the program to dig into the employment numbers for veterans, and compares the unemployment rate of our active duty military to those in the National Guard and the Reserves.

Welcome John Bartosiewicz

thenationaldefense@vfw.org — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 13:39:00 PST

The National Defense welcomes John Bartosiewicz of Illinois to the program to discuss his groups efforts to memorialize the fallen soliders of the Middle Eastern conflicts. Jerry and Randy also speak with the VFW's Joe Davis from Washington D.C. and USAA's Scott Halliwell with some tax-time-trivia.

Pizzas 4 Patriots

thenationaldefense@vfw.org — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 06:42:25 PST

The National Defense welcomes Jerry back to the studio from his trip to Washington D.C. for the inauguration and speaks with Sgt. Mark Evans of Pizzas 4 Patriots. USAA's Scott Halliwell talks with the guys about some issues to be mindful of when preparing to file your 2012 taxes.

Brig. Gen. Gary Profit

thenationaldefense@vfw.org — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 06:21:47 PST

The National Defense is proud to welcome Irish Tenor Anthony Kearns to the program to talk about his upcoming performance at the President's Inauguration. Randy also speaks with Brig. Gen. Gary Profit to highlight Walmart's new initiative to hire over 100,000 veterans in the next five years. The show wraps up with a great story of a high school fundraiser in Duran, Wisconsin to support the "Unmet Needs" program.

Command Sgt. Major of the US Army, Raymond Chandler

thenationaldefense@vfw.org — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 06:25:38 PST

The National Defense is proud to welcome the Command Sgt. Major of the US Army, Raymond Chandler, to the program to discuss the current state of the Army. Randy and Jerry also speak with VFW Membership guru Dan Parker, "Coach" Soto of California's "Battle for Veterans," Ray Kelley from the VFW's legislative group in D.C., and, as always, USAA's Scott Halliwell.

From the US Army All-American Bowl

thenationaldefense@vfw.org — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 07:55:18 PST

The National Defense wishes you and yours a happy New Year! This week's show we speak with Sgt. 1st Class Matt Winters from the US Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio, TX, as well as author and award winning teacher, Lisa Lark, about her new book "All They Left Behind."

Cowboy Up!

thenationaldefense@vfw.org — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 07:49:57 PST

Jerry and Randy welcome former Special Forces commander and current American horseman, Rick Iannuci, to the program to discuss his group Horses for Heroes in New Mexico. Also, Art Fillmore, a KC attorney, joins the program to discuss kcstanddown.org and his groups efforts to service homeless veterans in Kansas City, possibly setting the standard for similar programs across the country.

Happy Holidays!

thenationaldefense@vfw.org — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 08:07:19 PST

The National Defense wishes you and yours a healthy, safe, and happy holiday season. This week, we take a look back at some interesting interviews from Lt. Gen Dave Pamer (Ret.) as well as Congressional Gold Medal recipient, Robert Motley.

The 'Help a Hero' Campaign

thenationaldefense@vfw.org — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 11:53:20 PST

The National Defense welcomes longtime friend of the VFW, CEO of SportClips, Gordon Logan, to the program. Gordon is joined by two SportClips employees in Texas to talk about their involvment with "Help a Hero" and "Operation Uplink" in 2012. Jerry and Randy also speak with Tris Harris of Ho-Chunk gaming in Wisconsin as well as Scott Halliwell of USAA.

From 'The Guerrilla Factory' to Bin Laden

thenationaldefense@vfw.org — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 13:00:54 PST

The National Defense welcomes former Green Beret and author Tony Schwalm to the program to discuss his new book "The Guerrilla Factory" as well as Maj. Gen Jeffrey Jacobs to talk about Fort Bragg's upcoming "Operation Toy Drop." Author Darren Davis of "Killing Geronimo" discusses his new graphic novel regarding the hunt for Osama bin Laden and Scott Halliwell of USAA talks about the upcoming "fiscal cliff."

Army News from Ft. Leavenworth

thenationaldefense@vfw.org — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 06:49:57 PST

The National Defense welcomes Marshall Hevron from New Orleans to discuss his post's dramatic membership turnaround as well as CSM Chris Greca from Ft. Leavenworth to get some Army news. USAA's Scott Halliwell talks with Randy and Jerry about financial planning around the holidays.