STARRS Podcast

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Mike Rose: Fighting for Justice and Integrity in the Military and Service Academies Oct 25, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of STARRS & Stripes, prepare to engage with a riveting conversation on the intricate landscape of justice and military integrity with our esteemed guest, Michael T. Rose. His journey from rural Kentucky to a distinguished career as an attorney, state senator, and now Executive Vice President of STARRS reveals a passion for upholding the American values of justice, ethics and integrity.
Mike shares his experiences at the Air Force Academy, NYU School of Law, and Harvard Business School, alongside his commitment to combatting injustice in the military. He discusses his game-changing law paper, "A Prayer for Relief" regarding the honor and ethics system in the service academies, which he further explained in a 60 Minutes interview. Mike talks about the pressures faced by those who challenge unethical practices, the pushback and the landmark court case regarding the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
Through personal anecdotes, including sharing his story of growing up in rural America among people who had a distrust of entrenched elites and valued merit over pedigree, Mike discusses his journey from aspiring Air Force officer to a determined lawyer, driven by the desire to tackle legal injustices.
As a South Carolina state senator, Michael's legislative triumphs come to life in this episode, where we explore his efforts to reshape governance structures and abolish unethical programs. His stories of overcoming obstacles and championing change, all the way to present day where he has worked on reforming the academy's Board of Visitors, and helping cadets who were wrongly mistreated over not taking the Covid vaccine, reveal a dedication to addressing and overturning detrimental policies so that military recruitment, retention and readiness can be strengthened.
60 Minutes Interview:
https://starrs.us/captain-rose-versus-the-system/
Prayer for Relief paper:
https://www.usafa.edu/app/uploads/A-Prayer-For-Relief-Final-5.16.11.pdf

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For more information about STARRS, go to our website: https://starrs.us which works to eliminate the divisive Marxist-based CRT/DEI/Woke agenda in the Department of Defense and to promote the return to a warfighter ethos of meritocracy, lethality, readiness, accountability, standards and excellence in the military.
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Are the Motivations to Serve Missing in Today's Military? A Conversation with Three Leaders Oct 18, 2024

Show notes

STARRS & Stripes Host CDR Al Palmer, USN ret, was joined by the presidents of three veterans organizations who are working towards eliminating CRT/DEI ideology from the military and restoring a focus on high standards and merit. They include from STARRS Colonel Ron Scott, USAF ret, USAFA '73; from the MacArthur Society Colonel Bill Prince, USA ret, USMA '70; and from the Calvert Task Group Captain Tom Burbage, USN ret, USNA '69.
They begin by discussing what made each of them want to attend the service academies and serve in the military. The conversation then steers towards the present-day challenges of recruiting the next generation of military personnel. Reflecting on the patriotic fervor of the baby boomer generation, influenced by World War II veterans, they explore the waning sense of nationalism among today’s youth. The panelists provide insights into how societal changes, educational environments, and shifting attitudes are impacting military recruitment, particularly in regions traditionally known for military support. The need for strong leadership development and integrity in young recruits is emphasized as crucial for the future of the armed forces.
The panel also navigates the complexities of military leadership, pressing concerns around recruitment and retention come to the forefront. They tackle the effectiveness of current strategies, including financial incentives and diversity initiatives, and question their impact on military cohesion. The discussion calls for a reevaluation of policies, stressing the need for mentorship and leadership that truly understands the unique demands of military service. Concluding with a focus on military academies, they advocate for reducing civilian faculty to strengthen the core values of duty and service, ensuring the next generation of leaders upholds the highest standards of military excellence.

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Ray Semko: Patriotism, Sacrifice, and the Call to Civic Action Oct 04, 2024

Show notes

Security Educator and Public Speaker Ray Semko: The D*I*C*E Man, who served as the STARRS Rally for Our Republic emcee, also gave a talk at the event held in September 2024 in Arizona.
Reflecting on the profound themes of patriotism and sacrifice, he takes you on a journey through personal stories of being drafted and serving in Vietnam. These experiences illuminate the emotional resonance of iconic symbols like the national anthem and the eagle. He discusses the complex geopolitical landscape, contrasting past perceptions of communism with modern global relations, particularly with communist China, whom he has been warning in his D*I*C*E briefings as a threat since 1990. He highlights the importance of oaths and commitments in defending the values represented by the stars and stripes.
Through the eyes of an Army counterintelligence special agent and a Vietnam veteran, Ray examines the significance of protecting the United States against all threats, foreign and domestic. He underscores the strength of the American middle class and the challenges it faces, as well as the enduring value of freedom. With reflections on military camaraderie and training, he issues a passionate call to action for younger generations to preserve knowledge, build teamwork, and uphold the ideals of freedom, ensuring that America remains resilient in the face of challenges.
Touching on personal anecdotes, Ray delves into themes of honesty, influence, and patriotism. Hear a story from 1998 that still resonates today, alongside humorous insights into marriage and truthfulness. His talk moves to the power of influence amidst political disillusionment and the pressing need for active civic engagement. With vital reflections on national security, the integrity of leadership, and the role of voting, especially among veterans, he concludes with a motivational call to action—encouraging everyone to pursue ambitious, meaningful endeavors for a stronger future.

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Matt Lohmeier: Navigating Ideological Shifts in the Military Oct 04, 2024

Show notes

Matt Lohmeier, Executive Vice President of STARRS, author of the book "Irresistible Revolution" and a public speaker, gave the keynote talk at STARRS Rally for Our Republic in September 2024 in Arizona. His presentation starts with a video introduction of his story, an early preview of his upcoming documentary.
Former US Air Force/US Space Force Lieutenant Colonel Matt Lohmeier (also a 2006 USAFA grad) shares his personal journey from commanding the 11th Space Warning Squadron to grappling with a profound leftwing ideological shift within the military amplified by the events in 2020. His evolving sense of patriotism and deep appreciation for American history sets the stage for a candid discussion on the impact of leftist ideologies on morale and readiness at Buckley Air Force Base and the resulting challenges of military recruitment.
Matt talked about the thought-provoking literature he introduced to troops at Buckley, sparking conversations that challenge and broaden perspectives. Starting with Viktor Frankl's "Man’s Search for Meaning" and moving through historical and political topics, he talks about intriguing links to Frederick Douglass's philosophies amidst today's political movements. This literary journey wasn't just about books; it was about fostering meaningful dialogue in a space often dominated by rigid narratives.
Matt's talk takes a reflective turn as he explores the dilemma faced by conservative Christians balancing faith and societal change. Drawing on lessons from Cleon Skousen's book, "The Naked Communist," he discusses the enduring power of the "Christian Code" as a response to contemporary ideologies. With a call to love, pray, vote, and consider military service, he inspires listeners to engage actively in civic life, championing the values and principles they hold dear, while offering a heartfelt appeal to young men to serve their country in a time of need.

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Timothy Sandefur on Frederick Douglass and the American Dream Oct 04, 2024

Show notes

Timothy Sandefur of the Goldwater Institute gave a talk at STARRS Rally for Our Republic in September 2024 in Arizona. Rally emcee Ray Semko, the D*I*C*E Man introduced Timothy.
Description:
Frederick Douglass—the escaped slave who became an internationally famous spokesman for liberty and one of America’s most celebrated intellectuals—declared in the 1850s that the U.S. Constitution was “a glorious liberty document,” and that those who denounced it as enshrining white supremacy and slavery were wrong. What led Douglass to break even with anti-slavery allies to defend the Constitution? And does his vision of the American Dream survive today?
Douglass, a beacon of hope amid the shadows of America's racial past, is reframed by Timothy Sandefur, an impassioned advocate for free speech. He challenges prevailing narratives by portraying Douglass not just as a former slave but as a profound believer in the promise of American equality. He compares Douglass's optimism with the more critical perspectives of contemporary figures like Ta-Nehisi Coates, exploring how their differing views influence today's discourse on racial justice and national identity.
Sandefur covers the stark contrast between Douglass's belief in the Constitution as a vessel for unity and Coates's view of the American dream as a façade. Through an exploration of historical and modern perspectives, he discusses how these narratives shape our understanding of race and equality today. His talk emphasizes the importance of hope and perseverance, drawing inspiration from Douglass's unwavering faith in the nation's founding ideals as pathways to progress.
Finally, Timothy reflects on the enduring battle for unity in America, guided by Douglass's teachings on dignity and the relentless pursuit of freedom. He highlights the need for loyalty and self-respect in realizing constitutional ideals for all. Timothy puts forth a call for unity, reminding us of the shared history that binds Americans together and the better angels that can guide us toward a more unified future.

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Free Speech Under Fire: Ann Atkinson's Stand Against Academic Censorship Oct 04, 2024

Show notes

Whistleblower Ann Atkinson, a staunch defender of free speech, gave a talk at the STARRS Rally for Our Republic in September 2024 in Arizona. She was introduced by rally emcee Ray Semko, the D*I*C*E Man.

Advocating for free speech in academia can be a path fraught with peril. Ann Atkinson, former executive director of the TW Lewis Center for Personal Development at Arizona State University, courageously stood her ground amidst a storm of opposition of her of promoting traditional American values by hosting an event with speakers like Dennis Prager and Robert Kiyosaki. Her story provides a gripping look into the ramifications of censorship in higher education and reveals the broader implications on students' freedom to explore diverse perspectives.
Listeners will gain insight into the personal and professional fallout Ann faced, including her termination and the subsequent legislative actions in Arizona. Through Ann's powerful narrative, the theme of integrity in the workplace is discussed as well as the crucial role of authenticity in fostering an environment conducive to free speech. Ann’s talk is a testament to her unwavering commitment to truth and transparency, showcasing the vital necessity of safeguarding open dialogue on university campuses. Prepare to be inspired by Ann's resilience and the lessons her story imparts on the importance of standing up for one's beliefs against all odds.
Listeners will gain a sobering perspective on the pervasive influence of DEI in higher education. Ann has taken these issues to massive platforms—from the Wall Street Journal to Fox Business to the Arizona State Legislature. She illuminates how the issues stemming from the DEI cult extend beyond Ivy League campuses, revealing a crisis where institutions promote one ideology while practicing another.

Her talk unveiled covert tactics used by the academic bureaucracy to intimidate and silence dissenting voices and suppress certain opinions. It's a rallying call to action, urging attendees to awaken to these realities, defend intellectual diversity, and confront the higher ed ideological cartel.

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Kim Miller: What Happens When Women Wake Up! Oct 04, 2024

Show notes

Kim Miller, President & CEO of Arizona Women of Action, spoke at the STARRS "Rally for Our Republic" in September 2024 in Arizona. Look for the analogy in her speech of dealing with scorpions in her home is how to deal with evil.
Rally emcee Ray Semko, the D*I*C*E Man, begins the segment and introduces Kim.
00:00:05 Patriotism and Political Action
00:04:35 Empowering Women in Political Action
00:13:12 Fighting Marxism in American Institutions
00:19:08 Exposing Marxist Influence in Schools
00:28:19 Community Impact Through School Board Involvement
Description:
Women are busy--working hard caring for families, communities and businesses. But women’s powerful work ethic and compassion have been weaponized by Leftists seeking control. Women have fallen for the propaganda of DEI and ‘Be Kind’ (but don’t use your mind). Leftists use anger, fear, division and distraction to manipulate women.

But when women wake up, see the truth and focus on what really matters, nations are healed! Women awakened in 2020 when they saw the damage to kids and families. Anger turned to action. But what now? It’s time for women to reclaim our unique power to love and strengthen communities—starting LOCAL!

Arizona Women of Action has helped women do just that—connecting and taking local action every week. Founder and President Kim Miller tells how they went from 8 women on a text chain to 23,000+ strong. Even beyond elections, find out how women are starting a movement to strengthen Arizona and America for decades.
https://www.azwomenofaction.com/

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Woke Policies are Destroying the Military from the Inside Out Oct 01, 2024

Show notes

STARRS held a Joint Town Hall with the MacArthur Society of West Point Graduates and the Calvert Task Group. The guest speaker was Amber Smith, former Deputy Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Outreach in Public Affairs. Amber is a former U.S. Army OH-58D Kiowa Warrior helicopter pilot and air mission commander in the 101st Airborne Division and flew two combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. She is also the author of the recent book, "Unfit to Fight: How Woke Policies Are Destroying Our Military", a topic of great concern to all three organizations.
This episode only covers Amber's talk and Q&A portion, not the rest of the Joint Town Hall.
The woke agenda being pushed by the Pentagon is undermining the very fabric of our military. Listen to a talk by Amber Smith, an Army veteran, author, and former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Outreach, as she covers the critical issues facing the U.S. military today. Amber offers a sobering analysis from her book, "Unfit to Fight: How Woke Policies are Destroying Our Military," and reflects on her experiences as a Kiowa helicopter pilot in Iraq and Afghanistan.
This episode unveils the pressing need for a mission-centric meritocracy, underscoring the complexities of global threats and internal woke policies in the military that jeopardize national security.
Amber dissects the alarming decline in accountability and professional standards among top military leadership. She draws stark comparisons between the rigorous standards of World War II and today's leniency, calling for Congressional intervention to enforce stricter oversight. She says that true meritocracy and diversity of thought are essential to restore the U.S. military's strength and effectiveness and to reject woke policies that do not contribute to its mission readiness.
Amber also shares her personal journey, revealing the inspiration behind her book and her mission to address the real crises within the military, such as recruitment and retention challenges and the infiltration of wokeism. She offers guidance to young women in the military on how to earn respect through professionalism and excellence. The Q&A portion concludes with reflections on courage, responsibility, and the indispensable role of integrity and effective communication in advocating for change. This powerful talk by Amber Smith is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the future of our armed forces.
Join us for future Town Halls:
https://starrs.us/
https://macarthursociety.org/
https://calverttaskgroup.org/
Amber's website: https://www.officialambersmith.com/
DOD Biography: https://www.defense.gov/About/Biographies/Biography/Article/1209223/amber-smith/

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The Amazing Military Aviation Life of F-4 Wild Weasel Al Palmer Sep 27, 2024

Show notes

His Army Air Corps grandfather received his pilot license from Orville Wright and knew aviation legends like Charles Lindbergh and Amelia Earhart. His father served in the Air Force and in Korea. And third generation aviator Al Palmer flew fighter jets in the Air Force--including the famed F-4 "Wild Weasel" missions during the Vietnam War--then later changed to becoming a naval aviator in the Navy flying the new F-14 Tomcats off of aircraft carriers.
We're turning the tables on this episode of STARRS and Stripes and interviewing the host himself, CDR Al Palmer, US Navy ret to learn about his incredible family military aviation legacy, his own combat service as an aviator, and later creating and running aviation museums. There he helped preserve important aviation history that he and his family lived through, serving from World War I to the Cold War.
Al recounts his hair-raising F-4 Phantom Wild Weasel missions flown during the Vietnam War including Operation Linebacker where their mission was to draw out the enemy's missiles so they couldn't be used against the bombers. He discusses firsthand accounts of tactical maneuvers, the dangers of air combat, and the brotherhood among pilots. From the psychological challenges to the tactical brilliance required to outsmart enemy defenses, his stories give a vivid picture of bravery and camaraderie in the face of overwhelming odds.
When the war ended, Al did something most people didn't do at the time: a lateral move from the Air Force to the Navy. There he flew the iconic F-14 Tomcat--brand new at the time--off of carriers. After his service, he recounts his contributions to preserving military aviation history running the San Diego Aviation Museum, creating from scratch the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, securing rare artifacts, his interactions with historic aviation and space figures, and his job running the National Atomic Testing Museum. Al has an amazing military aviation heritage and story.

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Tribute to the Leadership and Legacy of Warfighter General Robert F. Titus, "Earthquake" Sep 20, 2024

Show notes

What makes a military leader truly exceptional? Brigadier General Robert F. Titus, known as "Earthquake," exemplifies the qualities of a remarkable military warfighting career, and in this episode of STARRS & Stripes, we pay tribute to his remarkable legacy. Host CDR Al Palmer, USN ret, who served under Gen. Titus, talks with Bill Scott, retired editor at Aviation Week and Space Technology and author of the book "Earthquake" about Gen. Titus, as well as Lieutenant General Tom McInerney, USAF ret, a distinguished combat pilot and senior Air Force leader who served with Gen. Titus.
We cover General Titus's journey from an 18-year-old Army paratrooper to becoming a celebrated Air Force fighter pilot. We'll explore his 101 missions in the Korean War and his critical role in testing and developing iconic fighter jets like the F-104, F-5, and F-4.
Throughout the episode, Bill, Tom and Al share first-hand accounts and rich narratives about pivotal moments in General Titus's career, including his involvement in the selection of the F-15 and his heroic actions during the Vietnam War. These stories highlight the themes of leadership, accountability, and the values that have shaped the armed forces. Throughout there is a deeper appreciation of the rigorous standards and meritocratic principles that define military success.
Delving into contemporary challenges facing the military, our discussion addresses the impact of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and the ideological shifts within the armed forces. Hear our guests' reflections on how these changes affect military readiness and cohesion, and why strong leadership and adherence to core values are crucial in navigating these transitions. This episode is a compelling listen for anyone passionate about military history, aviation, and the evolving landscape of military practices and policies.
Find Bill Scott's book, "Earthquake: Brigadier General Robert F. Titus" on Amazon https://a.co/d/11deD2y and other sellers. Description:
American fighter pilot and test pilot Brigadier General Robert F. "Earthquake" Titus logged more than 550 combat missions in the Korean and Vietnam wars; flight tested all Century Series fighters; flew the first nonstop trans-Polar flight in an F-100 Super Sabre; shot down three enemy MiG-21s and brought the F-15 Eagle air superiority fighter to life. Read his incredible stories in his own words, as told to author Bill Scott, who sat down with the legend for multiple interviews to learn how it really was.

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