Russell Lemle, PhD a senior policy analyst for the VHPI talks about a proposed bill "Veterans ACCESS" Act that may destroy the VA healthcare system and turn it into an insurance mechanism for paying for care in the community. He worked for VA in San Francisco for nearly 40 years a a psychologist and talks to host Jim Fausone about the community care creep that could end VA care as we know it.

This week’s show features Veteran musicians.

First, we’re joined by David Kent, from Operation Song. David talks about his recent release “What Mamma’s Do”.

Operation Song® empowers veterans, active-duty military members, and their families to tell their stories through the process of songwriting. Those served need no musical or writing skills, only a willingness to share their stories and, with the help of professional songwriters, transform them into song. Learn more here.

Next, we’re joined by Lem Genovese, longtime Veteran Troubador, talking about his musical journey as a Vietnam Veterans and Desert Storm. Lem Genovese is a very talented singer/guitarist/songwriter who served in the Vietnam War in the Mekong Delta with the 1st Aviation Brigade and as a medic in the first Persian Gulf War with the 209th Med Clearing Company attached to the 1st Infantry Division. Genovese, who lives in Wisconsin, has been writing and performing his tunes about the Vietnam War since the early 1970s.

Learn more about Lem on the American-Made Heroes website.

Doug Heath of BraviaServices.com talks about being the in the Ohio Air National Guard, and growing a staffing, construction services and procurement business. Doug talks about the value of certification by NVBDC.org with host Jim Fausone.

Fr. Emil Kapaun: Chaplain from Pilsen, Kansas

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In 1950, Father Emil J. Kapaun, Chaplain, US Army, a native of Pilsen, Kansas, was Chaplain of the 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Calvary Division, Korea. He distinguished himself on the field of battle, both, as a soldier and a Chaplain. During the early days of the Korean War Father Kapaun, ministered both spiritually and physically to his fellow soldiers, particularly the sick, wounded and dying.

Captured and Confined

Captured, 2 November 1950 by North Korean-Chinese Soldiers, Father Kapaun was confined at Prison Camp #5, Pyoktong, North Korea until his death, at the hands of his captors, 23 May 1951.

Granted title of “Servant of God” by the Catholic Church Father Kapaun is the Most Decorated Chaplain in US military history.

In April of 2013 President Obama awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for Father Kapaun.

The Miracle of Father Kapaun

Join Veterans Radio Host Bob Gould and guests: Father John Hotze, Priest and Judicial Vicar for the Catholic Diocese of Wichita, Roy Wenzl, national award winning reporter for the Wichita Eagle and co-author of The Miracle of Father Kapaun, and William “Bill” Funchess, soldier and fellow POW who was there at Camp 5, all together to honor a great humanitarian.

The Miracle of Father Kapaun is available in hard cover, paperback and DVD.

David Brown at 5'3" and 110 lbs 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.

In honor of National Medal of Honor Day on March 25, this week’s program features two MoH recipients and their heroic stories.

First we talk with Staff Sgt Clint Romesha, US Army Veteran

Army Staff Sgt Clint Romesha talks about growing up, joining up, overseas deployments, and the events of the 12 hour battle where 300 Taliban sought to overrun Outpost Keating in eastern Afghanistan. Romesha talks with host Jim Fausone about that day, learning he was to be awarded the MOH, visiting the White House, and what he has learned wearing the MOH.

More about Staff Sgt Clint Romesha and his experience can be found on his Medal of Honor page from the US Army.

We’ll also hear the story of 1st Lt. Cecil Bolton

Cecil Bolton received the Medal of Honor for his actions in WWII in Germany. Bolton joined the Army from Ft McClellan, near Anniston, Alabama on the 27th of July, 1942, and by November 2, 1944 was serving as a first lieutenant in Company E, 413th Infantry Regiment, 104th Infantry Division. On that day, near the Mark river in North Brabant, the Netherlands, he was seriously wounded in the legs by a German artillery shell. Despite these wounds, he took two men and led them in a successful assault against three German positions which were firing on his company. Wounded a second time, he ordered his two companions to leave him behind and head for the safety of the American lines. He then crawled the rest of the way back to his company. For these actions, he was awarded the Medal of Honor ten months later, on September 1, 1945.

Bolton reached the rank of colonel before leaving the Army in 1962. He died at age 56 and was buried in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, Texas.

This interview is AI generated from a chapter on Bolton in the Beyond Belief series of Alabama’s heroic military members. The series is edited by C Douglas Sterner.

More information about 1st Lt. Bolton can be found on his Congressional Medal of Honor Society page.

Army veteran Robert Near did his PhD dissertation on Combat Exposure and Relationship to Substance Use Disorder and barriers to treatment. Post 9/11 combat exposed veterans SUD is 21.5% as compared to the general public of 9.6%. Near talks to host Jim Fausone about his research findings and recommendations based on that research.

GET ANSWERS FROM OUR EXPERT PANEL!

• Dale Throneberry – Founder and Host of Veterans Radio
• Brig. Gen. Carol Ann Fausone (ret) – Legal Help for Veterans

We’ll also talk with Sue Swanigan from Woof for Vets

Woof for Vets is a nonprofit that helps deliver dogs to Veterans in need in the state of Missouri, to help with the healing process and serve as companions. Our host Dale talks with Sue Swanigan from the organization about their history, mission, operations, and ways that people can help.

Learn more about Woof for Vets on their homepage.

Finally, we talk with, Army Veterans, Steve and Adam Feldman about their experience as Puroclean franchisees.