Tune in for a discussion on “Pension Poaching” and how to avoid it.

Attorney Kristina Derro from Legal Help For Veterans joins us to discuss “Pension Poaching”. The VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) cautions veterans to be alert to a form of financial exploitation known as “pension poaching.” VA pension benefits are available to wartime veterans or their surviving spouses who meet certain age or disability requirements and have limited income and net worth.

Next, we talk to our Special Guest

Paul Palazzolo is President of the Vietnam Veterans of America’s Chapter 9 in Detroit, Michigan. “LZ Motor City” Paul will be telling us about the Chapter’s special exhibit at the Detroit Historical Museum. A new exhibition shining a light on the history, sacrifice, and continued service of the Vietnam Veterans of America Detroit Chapter #9, the first VVA chapter in Michigan and a nationally recognized force in veteran advocacy.

Click here to learn more.

We’re joined by author Sarah Blum

At the 12th Evacuation Hospital Cu Chi, Vietnam, Sarah Blum is an operating room nurse during the fighting in the iron triangle in 1967. Mass casualties with severely wounded soldiers show up for Sarah, her fellow nurses, and the surgeons to treat in the midst of mortar attacks, monsoons, and exploding artillery.

Her story is intertwined with Johnny, hit by American artillery, and Jim, a baseball pitcher with multiple wounds including to his pitching hand. It encompasses her terror on the tarmac at Bien Hoa air base on the day she leaves, culture shock, emerging PTSD symptoms, assaults by protestors, being head nurse of the orthopedic ward at Madigan General Hospital, and her growing awareness of the effects of the war on her and her fellow soldiers.

Through it all, she learns the essentials to healing PTSD and shares some tools and adjuncts to therapy that ensure anyone with PTSD has the best healing outcome.

People and veterans with PTSD need to know someone has been through it and come out whole on the other side. They need to believe they can heal and be better than they are when in the throes of their symptoms. They need hope and guidance. Warrior Nurse: PTSD and Healing gives them both.

Learn more about author Sarah Blum.

Our next guest is Vietnam Nurse Sandie Wilson

Sandie Wilson is serving as a Director at Large to VVA’s Board. Wilson spent seven years with the Army Nurse Corps, serving in Vietnam at three hospitals from 1968–1969. She subsequently spent 20 years in the reserves and retired as a Lt. Colonel.

She serves as chair of VVA’s National Agent Orange and Toxic Exposure Committee. At the state level, Wilson served five years as the MI State Council president, five years as state secretary, and on multiple committees. Wilson was appointed to the Michigan Agent Orange Commission, and she is past commander of the Michigan Commanders Group.

Wilson has advocated for her military and veteran brothers and sisters for more than 40 years, aided by her background in nursing, which helps identify opportunities for improvement in the lives of veterans. Military experience added a foundation in teamwork and leadership, she says, and union positions gave her the skills to negotiate and represent on behalf of constituents. Wilson is retired from the University of Michigan.

Army vet and active DAV member Ken David of Trumbull County Ohio, talks about May 1970 actions that let to a DSC and ultimately an upgrade to the Medal of Honor. He talks to host Jim Fausone about duty, struggles, freedoms and the MOH.

We’re joined by Dr. Rebecca Grant to talk about "Operation Midnight Hammer"

Dr. Rebecca Grant is a national security analyst based in Washington, DC specializing in defense and aerospace research and national security consulting.

She has over 20 years experience working with the United States Air Force, United States Navy, and top aerospace clients. In addition, Dr. Grant has often appeared on television as an expert on national security for Fox News, Fox Business, CNN, and MSNBC and as a series regular on The Smithsonian’s Air Warriors.

Dr. Grant also writes on China, Russia and other technology and national security topics for Fox News Opinion. Her military books include 75 Great Airmen (with Lt. Gen. Chris Miller), The B-2 Goes to War, and Battle-Tested: Aircraft Carriers in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Dr. Grant graduated from Wellesley College and earned a PhD in International Relations from the London School of Economics, University of London.

Learn more about Dr. Rebecca Grant

This Marine talks about his service, challenges, daughter and starting a coffee business. He is candid about the struggles and explains the unique features of Big Guns Coffee to host Jim Fausone.

In this week’s episode, we celebrate Flag Day and commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the United States Army. Exploring the enduring legacy of service, sacrifice, and the symbols that unite us. Join us for a heartfelt celebration of military history, national pride, and the individuals who continue to serve in extraordinary ways.

We first speak with U.S. Army Colonel (ret.) Christine Cook

Cook holds a Ph.D. in History from Wayne State University, M.A. in Women and Gender Studies from Eastern Michigan University, and B.A. in English Literature from Princeton University. Her research and U.S. Army War College News Archives scholarship works to fill the gap in historical knowledge of women in the military.

Professor Cook retired as a Colonel with thirty years of service in the National Guard and US Army Reserve. Professor Cook has worked in the US Army War College’s Department of Distance Education for ten years as a Drilling Individual Mobilization Augmentee. In 2022, she joined the department faculty. Cook will teach the Strategic Leadership Course to first-year Distance Education students, the foundational course of the Distance Education Program.

We’re then joined by Recording Artist Dave Caley

We also spotlight a patriotic tribute: “Raise It High,” a song written by Keith Bradford and recorded by USMC Veteran and Nashville recording artist Dave Caley. Created for the American Braille Flag Project, this powerful anthem honors blind and visually impaired veterans by helping them “see” the flag through touch and music.

Learn more about the American Braille Flag Project.

We first speak with Author & Veteran David Brown

Host Jim Fausone interviews David Brown, U.S. Navy Veteran. Standing at 5'3" and 100 lbs, he was an unlikely candidate to graduate from BUDS and become a Navy SEAL. In his book, "And Goliath", David talks about being bullied, told he was too small, and all the challenges of life that he overcame. Brownie talks to host Jim Fausone about what he learned along the way to become a SEAL and then his law enforcement career in NCIS and EPA's Criminal Investigative Division.

Check out "And Goliath" on Amazon.

Next, Host Jim Fausone Interviews Susan Galvin, MD

US Air Force Veteran Susan Galvin, MD was at the Pentagon on 9/11 seeing patients when the terrorist plane crashed. She talks about her military career, that infamous day and receiving the US Army Soldier's Medal for her actions that day. She credits the medical team and tells her personal story to host Jim Fausone.

Read more about Susan Galvin's heroism on 9/11.