The National Defense

Jerry and Randy welcome back Ryan Galluci, VFW Assistant Director of Legislative Affairs for the VFW, to discuss the recent work by the VFW to protect the interests of all veterans on Capitol Hill. A new package of Veterans benefits legislation is currently going through the approval process in D.C., and fully reinstates the benefits that were victim of the massive cuts in earned benefits of veterans: COLA allowanances.

The National Defense is back home, but still trying to talk to people in warmer climes! Retired Lt. Colonel Al Lugo Jr. joins the program from Florida to talk about the VFW Veterans Village. Al and his staff serve the veteran community in Fort McCoy, Florida. Check them out at the VFW Veterans Village.

Randy, Jerry, and John talk about the upcoming opportunities for the VFW to expand its reach on the local and national level by partnering with companies like Tractor Supply Company. Look for the VFW is be out in force at a Tractor Supply Store near you in 2014!

The National Defense opens up it's first show of the year by speaking with Sgt. 1st Class Jason J. Manella of the US Army, the 2013 Army Non-commissioned Officer of the year! Sgt. Manella talks with Jerry and Randy about his experience in the military as an NCO and the competition he took part in to earn this prestigious title.

The National Defense speaks with historian and author, Todd Anton, about his new book "When Football Went to War." This new book examines the human intersection between the American sport of football and the United States military. Then, Former Pentagon official for Middle East policy, Micheal J Barton, joins the program to discuss the recent activity within the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf. Scott Halliwell of USAA also talks us through the current state of the U.S. stock market.

The National Defense welcomes Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill back to the program. Senator McCaskill has been exceptionally active in supporting America's troops and veterans as a member of the U.S. Armed Services Committee. Most recently, the Senator has focused her efforts on stamping out sexual assaults within the ranks of the U.S. military.

Randy and Jerry wish you and yours a very safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday! The National Defense welcomes it's newest affiliate in Knoxville, TN, Randy gives his thoughts on Moon Pies and RC Cola, and the guys talk about the VFW's weekend spent at the Chiefs Chargers game in Kansas City.

The National Defense gets a much needed dose of financial advice from USAA and Scott Halliwell as Jerry and Randy pick Scott's brain on all sorts of financial matters.

The National Defense welcomes two Marine veterans to the program with wildly different and interesting stories. First, Randy speaks with Gunnery Sergeant Bryce Lockwood, survivor of the Israeli attack on the USS Liberty in 1967. Next, we speak with USMC veteran and talented singer/songwriter, Jimmy Rose, to talk about his recent run through the finale episode of "America's Got Talent."

The National Defense welcomes back renowned Irish Tenor, Anthony Kearns, the the program to talk about his upcoming BUSY schedule for Veterans Day weekend. Anthony has supported various veteran and patriotic causes, and is touring solo around the country to support his new album. Check out his new album and schedule at AnthonyKearnsTenor.com

The National Defense has heard you loud and clear so for at least a segment, Lou Diamond Phillips is taking the hosting chair away from Jerry and Randy as he interviews the Adjutant General of the VFW, John Hamilton. Lou Diamond and John talk about various issues related to the VFW and veterans around the world.

The National Defense opens up this week with Retired SSG Micheal Hall to discuss his experience with one of the many VFW Veterans Service Officers in expiditing his VA benefits claim. SSG Hall was burned over a majority of his body by and IED explosion while serving in the military, and thanks the VFW for the work they did to keep his life on the homefront moving forward.

Jerry and Randy talk with the VFW's Assistant Director of Legislative Affairs, Ryan Galluci, about the work of the VFW on Capitol Hill for veterans, and what exactly goes on when the federal government decides to shut down. Ryan and the VFW legislative affairs staff worked to keep veterans from becoming a "political football" during the multi-week Federal government shutdown.

Randy welcomes the brand new spokeperson of the VFW, Lou Diamond Phillips, to the program to discuss his new position as the mouthpiece of the VFW. Lou shares his family's military background in the Navy, his support of veterans through the years, and some stories from his long-running career as a Hollywood actor. Welcome LDP to the VFW family!

The National Defense welcomes US Army Sergeant Theresa Vail to the program to discuss her experience in the military and as a highly publicized Miss America contestant. Scott Halliwell of USAA talks government shutdown, and what people directly, or indirectly affected, by the shutdown need to do in the wake of furloughs and layoffs.