Veterans Radio

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October 3, 2009: Allan Wood / An Aussie's Vietnam Experience Oct 03, 2009

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Australia has long been a close friend of the United States so it was natural that their government would commit troops to Vietnam to help fight the communist invasion from the north. After all, there was a real threat to their country if it spread. Join host Gary Lillie and guest Allan Wood, to hear the story of one Australian in the Vietnam War; and how his life has been since.

August 29, 2009: Jerry Yellin / A Legacy of Two Fathers Aug 29, 2009

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A Legacy of Two Fathers

Jerry Yellin is an author and member of the Military Writers Society of America. Born in Newark, New Jersey on February 15, 1924, he graduated from high school in 1941 and enlisted in the Army Air Corps on his 18th birthday. After training at Luke Field, he became a fighter pilot in August 1943 and went on to serve in the Pacific Theater, including combat missions over Iwo Jima with the 78th Fighter Squadron. Yellin flew in the first land-based fighter mission over Japan on April 7, 1945, and also participated in the final mission of the war on August 14, 1945. For his service, he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross with an Oak Leaf Cluster and the Air Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, and he was discharged as a Captain in December 1945.

In Of War & Weddings: A Legacy of Two Fathers, Yellin shares not only his wartime experiences but also a moving story of reconciliation. The book follows two former military pilots—one Japanese and one American—who carry the scars and prejudices of war until the marriage of their children brings their families together. Through that bond, both fathers learn to confront the past, find peace, and let go of long-held hatred.

This episode also features the announcement of the 2009 Military Writers Society of America award nominees. Join host Dale Throneberry, along with MWSOA President Joyce Faulkner, Founder Bill McDonald, and Chief Reviewer Rob Ballister, as they reveal this year’s nominees and announce the winners of the 2009 Founder’s Award and 2009 President’s Award, with full award results to be shared on the September 12th program.

August 22, 2009: Glenn Altschuler / GI Bill, Then and Now Aug 22, 2009

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The GI Bill, Then and Now.

Formally known as the Serviceman’s Readjustment Act of 1944, it was far from an obvious, straightforward piece of legislation, but resulted from tense political maneuvering and complex negotiations. Unlikely coalitions emerged to shape and pass the bill, bringing together both New Deal Democrats and conservatives who had vehemently opposed Roosevelt’s social-welfare agenda. For the first time in American history, returning soldiers were not only supported, but enabled to pursue success—a revolution in America’s policy towards its veterans.Once enacted, the G.I. Bill had far-reaching consequences. By providing job training, unemployment compensation, housing loans, and tuition assistance, it allowed millions of Americans to fulfill long-held dreams of social mobility, reshaping the national landscape. The huge influx of veterans and federal money transformed the modern university and the surge in single home ownership vastly expanded America’s suburbs.

”Anyone who has doubts about what government ‘can do’ should read this book. It provides a detailed example of the successes that were achieved when government ‘did.’”–The American Chronicle

Join host Dale Throneberry and author Glenn Altschuler as they talk about the history and importance of the original GI Bill and the new Post 9/11 GI Bill.

Learn more about the Post 9/11 GI Bill.

August 15, 2009: Sammy L. Davis / Medal of Honor Aug 15, 2009

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Medal of Honor Recipient Sammy L. Davis

Host Gary Lillie interviews Medal of Honor recipient Sammy L. Davis, who shares the gripping story of his extraordinary heroism during a brutal Viet Cong attack on a remote fire support base in Vietnam. Under intense mortar fire and a ground assault that closed in within yards of friendly positions, Davis fought back with relentless courage—manning a machine gun, firing a burning howitzer repeatedly despite being knocked down and wounded, and refusing to give up as the battle raged around him. Even after sustaining painful injuries, he risked his life again by crossing a deep river to rescue wounded comrades and provide cover as he brought them to safety. Davis’ actions reflect the very highest traditions of military service and stand as a powerful example of bravery, sacrifice, and devotion to fellow soldiers.

August 8, 2009: Jon Voight / Honoring Vietnam Veterans Aug 08, 2009

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Jon Voight—From Vietnam War Protester to Vietnam Veteran Promoter

Congress has declared March 29 of each year as National Vietnam Veterans Day. This year it falls on a Monday, so actor Jon Voight is spearheading a national movement to recognize Vietnam Veterans in a nationwide celebration on March 28, 2010.

Jon Voight won an Academy Award for portraying a paraplegic Vietnam Veteran in the film Coming Home (1978), a film portraying the best and worst of Vietnam Veterans; the worst being Hollywood’s stereotypical image of the Vietnam Veteran and the War itself. It has been said that Jon Voight believed in that stereotype. In a speech at the Vietnam Veterans of America convention in 2009, Voight expressed his regrets for those days and his admiration of those he now calls warriors.

Join host Gary Lillie and guest Jon Voight to hear Voight’s call to action for a national party on March 29, 2010 —along with his reflections on the past and present.

August 1, 2009: Rick Briggs / Invisible Wounds Aug 01, 2009

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Our guest today is Rick Briggs, Veterans Program Director

Join host Dale Throneberry and his guest, Rick Briggs, Veterans Program Director for the Brain Injury Association of Michigan, to learn about some of the challenges faced by individuals who have experienced Traumatic Brain Injuries and what is being done to help our returning veterans recover. We will also be talking with some survivors of TBI and hear their stories about how they are coping with this devastating and mostly “Invisible Wound”.

March 14, 2009: Bob Feller / Baseball & WWII Mar 14, 2009

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Bob Feller / Baseball Hall of Famer & WWII Navy Veteran

Join host Gary Lillie and guest Bob Feller, the only retired Navy Chief who is a member of a major sports Hall of Fame. Nicknamed “The Heater from Van Meter,” Bob Feller’s 1936 debut in the major leagues was explosive, when, as a 17-year old rookie he struck out eight St. Louis Cardinals in three innings. He struck out 15 St Louis Brown batters later that year and then 17 Philadelphia Athletics. Before he left his teens his 100-MPH fastball sent 18 Detroit Tigers back to the dugout.

Feller lost 3 1/2 years in the prime of his career when, after the 1941 Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, he was the first major leaguer to enlist in the military. Still, by the time he retired in 1956 he had played 18 years, won 266 games, hurled 3 no-hitters, struck out 2,581 batters and earned a place in the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

January 24, 2009: Joseph Galloway / War Correspondent Jan 24, 2009

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Joseph Galloway (born November 13, 1941), is an American newspaper correspondent and columnist. Galloway is a native of Refugio, Texas.

He is the former Military Affairs consultant for the Knight-Ridder chain of newspapers and was a columnist with McClatchy Newspapers. During the Vietnam War, Galloway worked as a reporter for UPI, beginning in early 1965. Thirty-five years later, he was decorated with the Bronze Star for helping to rescue wounded American soldiers under fire during the battle at Landing Zone X-Ray in the Ia Drang Valley.

Joe Galloway retired as a weekly columnist for McClatchy Newspapers in January 2010, writing, “I have loved being a reporter; loved it when we got it right; understood it when we got it wrong…In the end, it all comes down to the people, both those you cover and those you work for, with or alongside during 50 years.

Along with Lt. Gen. Harold G. Moore, Galloway co-authored a detailed account of those experiences in the best-selling 1992 book, “We Were Soldiers Once… And Young.” A sequel was released in 2008: “We Are Soldiers Still: A Journey Back to the Battlefields of Vietnam.”

November 29, 2008: USO / Martha Raye Nov 29, 2008

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Since just before World War II, the USO has been the bridge between the American people and our men and women in uniform, conveying the heartfelt appreciation and support of a grateful nation. Whether it is a quiet place to go for rest and relaxation, movies, refreshments, or a friendly face, the USO delivers its special brand of service to the military. For over 67 years, the USO has been there for us. Join Veterans Radio Host Dale Throneberry and our guest John Hanson, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications, as we talk about some of the history and stories of the USO.

One of the best known and loved performers on the USO circuit for over fifty years was Martha Raye. From the deserts of North Africa to the jungles of Vietnam, Martha (Maggie) Raye entertained America’s finest. Join Veterans Radio and our guest Noonie Fortin, retired Army Reserve First Sergeant, and author of Memories of Maggie—Martha Raye: A Legend Spanning Three Wars. “Maggie” was an honorary member of the Special Forces. She received her cherished Green Beret and Lieutenant Colonel title from President Lyndon Johnson. And she was buried with special permission at Fort Bragg. Tune in Saturday morning to learn more about this incredible American heroine.

November 22, 2008: David Ballentine / George Perrault Nov 22, 2008

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David Ballentine recalls his experiences as a young pilot flying an armed UH-1E with Marine Observation Squadron Six in Vietnam. Like any good war memoir, parts of the book are deadly serious, even sad, while others are filled with thrilling, often humorous descriptions of squadron life during the early stages of the war. The book provides little known detail about the missions, operations, and living conditions at Ballentine’s base in Ky Ha, shortly before the Tet Offensive.

John F. Kennedy Assassination. On November 22, 1963 the world was stunned by news that our popular president had been assassinated. George Perrault was a young Navy enlisted man at the time and was grabbed to be an Honor Guard for the president, who was to lie in state at the Capitol Rotunda. The most famous photo of the time shows four guards, one from each major branch of the service, standing at attention just off of the four corners of the casket. George was the Navy guard in that photo.

Tune in to hear George Perrault describe behind-the-scenes activity and his feelings during one of the most important events of his lifetime…and the humorous story of how the Honor Guard was literally caught with their pants down by Ethel Kennedy.

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