Episodios

  • Veterans Hour (04-06-26) - Soldiers, Songs, & Voices San Antonio
    Apr 6 2026

    Host Diesel Dee welcomes into the studio John E. Gurnot, Michael J. "Maestro" Aurora, and Deb Wesloh from the San Antonio chapter of Soldiers Songs, & Voices. Listen into new singles by John and Deborah, and to live in studio music.

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    59 m
  • Veterans Hour (2-23-26)
    Mar 23 2026

    Diesel Dee and Derek from the Barracks discuss a variety of topics

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    1 h
  • Veterans Hour (3-02-26)
    Mar 2 2026

    Here are the structured Show Notes for today’s episode. This format is designed for you to copy-paste into your podcast description or share as a PDF for your listeners.

    Episode Notes: Veterans Today – March 2, 2026

    The Big Shift: Restoring Rights, Automating Benefits, and the 2026 COLA Update.

    Episode Overview

    In today’s episode, we break down a historic month for Veterans. From the VA reversing a 30-year policy on Second Amendment rights to the automation of GI Bill benefits following the Rudisill and Perkins rulings, there is a lot of movement in D.C. that affects your wallet and your rights.

    [00:00] – Intro: Honoring the Fallen
    1. Memorial Moment: Reflections on the recent loss of three American service members (Operation Epic Fury, March 1st).
    2. Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes. For specific case updates, use the VA.gov "Ask VA" portal.

    [05:20] – VA Policy: 2nd Amendment Rights Restored
    1. The News: As of Feb 17, 2026, the VA has officially ceased reporting Veterans to the FBI’s National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) solely because they use a fiduciary.
    2. Why it matters: This corrects a decades-old practice that stripped thousands of Vets of their right to own a firearm without due process.
    3. Action Step: The VA is currently working with the FBI to retroactively remove names from the NICS list. If you were previously flagged, monitor your status.

    [12:45] – Education: GI Bill Automation (Rudisill & Perkins)
    1. The Update: The VA has launched an automated review system for 1.04 million Veterans potentially eligible for expanded education benefits.
    2. Key Change: You no longer need to manually "opt-in" or request a review. The VA is prioritizing those currently enrolled in school or those who were enrolled in the last 6 months.
    3. The 48-Month Rule: Reminder that combined MGIB and Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits are still capped at 48 months total.

    [20:15] – D.C. Legislation Watch
    1. H.R. 980 & H.R. 1458: Passed the House in February. These bills focus on modernizing the GI Bill for hybrid and technical training.
    2. The Sharri Briley & Eric Edmundson Act (H.R. 6047): A major push to increase Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) for catastrophically disabled Vets and survivors by roughly $10,000/year.
    3. H.R. 3123: The "Ernest Peltz Act" ensures accrued benefits are paid to the estate/family if a Veteran passes away before their claim is finalized.

    [32:10] – Money & Resources: The 2026 COLA
    1. 2.8% Increase: Now in full effect. Ensure your March check reflects the new rate.
    2. State Highlights: Discussion on California’s recent $20,000 tax cut for military retirees and the nationwide crackdown on "claim sharks."

    [40:00] – Upcoming Events
    1. 2026 Golden Age Games: Hosted in Tampa, FL (June 27 – July 2). Registration is now open for Veterans 55+.

    Key Resources Mentioned
    1. VA Fiduciary Program Update: va.gov/fiduciary
    2. GI Bill Status Check: va.gov/education
    3. Golden Age Games Registration: veteransgoldenagegames.va.gov

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    53 m
  • Veterans Hour (2-02-26)
    Feb 2 2026

    Dee and Derek have a talk about things like mental health during the winter and cover some talks about how to deal with struggles during times when the winter hits. Also covering ground hogs day and the San Marcos Awards.

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    1 h
  • Veterans Hour (01-05-26) - The Creature!
    Jan 5 2026

    Host Diesel Dee has as her guest Marine and Musician Andrew Kreitz.

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    59 m
  • Veterans Hour (12-22-25)
    Dec 22 2025

    Join us on this special episode of "Veterans Hour" as we dive into the heartwarming community efforts of the Sam Marcus Music Awards and the impactful Soldier Santa event. Discover how local businesses and families came together to support veterans and spread holiday cheer. From the challenges of organizing a toy drive to the joy of giving back, this episode captures the spirit of community and the power of collective action. Tune in to hear inspiring stories and learn how you can get involved in making a difference.

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    1 h y 1 m
  • Veterans Hour (2-15-25) - Guest Joel Holst
    Dec 15 2025
    Title: Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Staffing and AI: Insights from Joel HolstIntroduction: In an era where technology is rapidly transforming the workforce, understanding the intersection of staffing and artificial intelligence is crucial. In a recent podcast episode, host Derek chats with Joel Holst, a seasoned professional in the staffing industry, about the significant changes that AI is bringing to the recruitment landscape.Main Content:1. **The Beginnings of a Partnership** Derek opens the podcast by introducing Joel Holst, a co-worker and neighbor turned friend, who has been involved with Providence Partners for the past 15 years. Joel shares how his journey in staffing began when he met Paul McGowan, a neighbor who shared the same industry. Their connection highlights the importance of networking and relationships in achieving success in business.2. **The Role of Providence Partners** Joel explains that Providence Partners specializes in tech and IT staffing, helping companies find the right talent as they grow. He mentions how many startup companies in Austin, a hub for software development, rely on staffing agencies to fill their talent gaps. Joel emphasizes the challenge many startups face in transitioning from hiring friends and family to understanding what they need in their next hire.3. **AI’s Impact on Staffing** A significant portion of their conversation focuses on the impact of artificial intelligence on the staffing industry. Joel discusses how AI is changing the recruitment landscape, stating, "It's use it or die type of thing." He notes that while many predicted the demise of recruiting with the advent of the internet, the reality is that staffing will always rely on human relationships. However, he acknowledges the competitive edge that AI tools provide, creating a scenario where candidates must navigate applicant tracking systems that use AI to filter resumes.4. **AI Tools and Job Applications** Derek shares his personal experience with AI in job applications, explaining how he and his friends have leveraged AI tools to enhance their resumes. He highlights the challenges of getting noticed in a sea of applicants and how AI can be a double-edged sword, with both candidates and companies utilizing it to gain an advantage. Joel praises the innovation AI brings to resume building while cautioning against over-reliance on automated processes that may overlook the human element.5. **The Future of Software Development** As the conversation progresses, they delve into how AI is reshaping software development. Joel mentions that many developers are now using AI tools to increase their productivity, often completing a week's worth of work in just a few hours. This shift also raises questions about the future of training programs for software engineers, as the demand for integration skills and understanding of AI tools becomes paramount.6. **Personal Journeys and Career Transitions** Towards the end of the podcast, Joel shares his background, discussing how he joined the Navy and transitioned into the staffing industry. His story underscores the importance of adaptability and seizing opportunities. The connection between his military service and career in staffing illustrates how diverse experiences can shape one’s professional path.Conclusion: The podcast featuring Joel Holst offers valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of the staffing industry, particularly in relation to artificial intelligence. As AI tools become increasingly integrated into recruitment processes, understanding their implications will be essential for both job seekers and employers. Key takeaways include the importance of human relationships in staffing, the dual-edged nature of AI in recruitment, and the need for evolving training programs to meet the demands of a changing workforce.Tags: Staffing Industry, AI in Recruitment, Tech Staffing, Job Applications, Software Development, Career Transition, Networking, Providence Partners.1. 🌟 Are you ready to unlock the secrets to thriving in a competitive job market? In our latest podcast, we chat about how AI is reshaping the staffing industry and what that means for job seekers! 💡 Key takeaway: Embrace AI as a tool, not a threat. It’s all about relationships and making the most of technology! What’s your experience with AI in job applications? Drop your thoughts below! #JobMarket #AI #Staffing #CareerAdvice #Podcast #Innovation #JobSeekers #TechTalk #Employment2. 🤔 Do you feel like you’re fighting an uphill battle in your job hunt? This week, we dive into the impact of AI on recruitment and how it’s changing the game for candidates! 💡 Insight: Even with AI, personal connections are key! Don’t forget to network! How has your job search been affected by technology? Let’s talk in the comments! #Recruitment #AI #Networking #JobHunt #CareerDevelopment #Podcast #TechTrends #JobSeekers #Employment3. 🚀 Ready to take your job applications...
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    55 m
  • Veterans Hour (12-08-25)
    Dec 8 2025

    In this episode of Veterans Hour, we delve into the holistic approach to health and wellness with a focus on veterans. Our guest shares insights on integrating diet, exercise, and mental health to enhance overall well-being, while also discussing the challenges faced by veterans in accessing comprehensive care. Tune in to explore how personalized medicine and community support can make a difference in the lives of those who have served.

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    53 m