Veterans Benefits Talk Radio

Segment 3

Segment 1

03 Unfortunate Hero: The Soldiers Path from Trauma and...

We greet Dr. Katie Evans, a Clinical Psychologist, State and Nationally Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor and Trainer, and the Author of the book Unfortunate Hero: The Soldiers Path from Trauma and Addiction about PTSD and illicit drug or alcohol addition, and how her "Five Stage Model for Sober Soldier Survivors" can help!

01 Veterans News and Views (Part I): Proposed cuts in...

Scott solos the show today, and expresses the VFW National Commanders opinion on proposed cuts in Military and Veteran benefits, an update from the VFW Washington Office Director of Administration and Operations on a recent meeting with Administration officials concerning protection of benefits for Military and Veteran Families and the award of grants for the VA's new Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program. You can learn more about the SSVF program at...

03 An Interview with Michael LoGrande

We chat with Mr. Michael LoGrande, President of the Department of Defense Physical Disability Review Board (PDRB). Approximately 77,000 Veterans who were medically seperated from the Services with Disability Severance Pay, vice medically retired from the Services with monthly retirement pay since 9/11/01 are eligible for a review of their case, AND DON'T KNOW IT!

01 Veterans News & Views (Part I)

Scott & Jimmy rant about Senator Coburn's amendment to The Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2012 (HR 2055), we provide an update on The Agent Orange Act of 2011 (HR 812), and we discuss one of the proposed budget negotiations recommendations to reduce COLA's for Veterans, Military Retirees and Military Personnel.

03 An Interview with Dr. Pamela Monaco, Ph. D.

We chat with Dr. Pamela Monaco, Dean of Arts & Sciences for Brandman University, about the outstanding educational opportunities they can offer active-duty Military personnel, Veterans and in some instances, their Family members.

01 Veterans News and Views (Part I)

We open with the DAV National Commander's comment on the ongoing debt ceiling negotiation's impact on disabled Veterans, the effect of budget cuts on active-duty personnel and their family members, and the VA's establishment of a Women Veterans Call Center to provide information on programs and services available for Women Veterans.

03 An Interview with Kevin Lucey, whose son Jeff killed...

Kevin comments on a new White House and DOD policy to write letters of condolances to the families of troops who kill themselves in a combat zone.Jeff killed himself at home in Massachusetts following his deployment andthus would not quality to get a letter from the President or Secretary ofDefense. Kevin is still pleased that the administration has acknowledged thecrisis of military suicide and is working to remove the stigma of PTSD.

01 Valentine solo, the top dog Scott Langhoff off on...

We open with news that 3/4 Marines stationed at Twentynine Palms will not bereplaced in Afghanistan when they return home in November or December. Goodnews. Then we reveal that Congress wants to pay for treatment of bad water victims at Camp Lejeune, NC (7,590,000 persons drank the tainted water over a period of decades)by killing the 1.3 billion dollar annual subsidy that DOD spends to keepCommisary costs low and save money for active duty and retired millitary,essentially making the troops...

03 Veterans News & Views - Part lll

Jimmy comments on a Brown University Study about the cost of war versus proposed Federal Budget cuts, and we report on TRICARE Pharmacy copayment increases, the Special Warfare Commanders address to Members of Congress,an opportunity for Sailors being forced out of the Navy through the "Perform to Serve" program to continue their careers in the Naval Reserve and comment on departing Secretary of Defense Gates performance.

01 Veterans News & Views - Part l

We open with a report on the attack on the military retirement compensation system and an exciting discovery made in the Military Medical Research Program.

03 An Interview with Sara Davis and Rufus Rencher

We have an enlightening interview Sara Davis, Administrator of the "Second Chance" Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP) in San Diego, and Rufus Rencher, a Homeless Veteran Outreach Advocate with "Second Chance".

01 Veterans News & Views - Part l

Jimmy opens with comment on the Afghanistan troop draw down and recent casualties there, along with our withdrawal from Iraq, and we report how the VFW's Unmet Needs Program assisted our military families devastated by the tornados which swept across the Nation so far this year and we discuss the Senate's National Defense Appropriation Act (NDAA) as it moves forward.

03 An Interview with Russell Bell

We get an update from Russell Bell of the Pacific Battleship Center on their efforts to relocate the USS IOWA (BB-61) to the Port of Los Angeles as a Naval Museum! Visit the "Pacific Battleship Center" weblink on our webpage to find out more!

01 Veterans News & Views - Part l

Jimmy opens with kudos to Veterans Service Organizations from Admiral Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, on their efforts to assist Veterans, Military Personnel and their Family members at the local level and Scott reports on recent VFW testimony provided to the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Health concerning sexual assaults at VA medical facilities.

03 An Interview with Scott Stump and John Jordan

We interview former Marine Desert Storm Veterans Scott Stump and John Jordan about a proposed Desert Storm National Monument!

01 Veterans News & Views - Part l

Scott opens expressing the VFW's outrage at the number is sexual assualts at VA Health Care facilities, and we discuss Delta Airlines charging returning Operation Enduring Freedom Warriors for excess baggage and "The Veterans Appeals Improvement Act".

03 How will we deal with a special community of...

Those who suffer multiple amputations and are then discharged. Who will care about them when they leave the service? There are very large numbers of men in this special community who I fear will be neglected, forgotten and without specifically designed programs at VA to serve them. I urge attention and special priority for these drastically wounded Warriors.

01 A rant on Sarah Palin horning in on the Rolling...

...stealing thunder from those who rode to honor the fallen and taking attention away from Veterans past and present.

03 Veterans News & Views - Part lll

We discuss the Sears "Heros at Home" Program and Portrait of Heroes" Song Contest, and the use of the Guard and Reserve over all the years of this War.

01 Veterans News & Views - Part l

We open with a story from Amy, an Army Spouse, concerning Memorial Day, discuss how Families also "serve" in the military, the Army and Marine Corps' broadening of the eligibility criteria for the Purple Heart Medal to include "Mild" cases of Traumatic Brain Injury (Army Veterans should call (888) 276-9472 or send an email to hrc.tagd.awards@conus.army.mil Marine Corps Veterans should visit the weblink below) and we discuss the possible expansion of eligibility for the Purple Heart Medal to...

03 An Interview with Mary Markovich - Part l

We chat with Mary Markovich, an Attorney in Raleigh, North Carolina, about a variety of topics.

01 Veterans News & Views - Part l

We open with comment about the naming of a new Navy ship the USNS Cesar Chavez, report on the first week's interest in the new VA Family Caregiver Program and problems with the DOD/VA Disability Evaluation System (DES).

03 New Deadline for Hiking the Debt Ceiling

Congressman Duncan Hunter intoroduces a bill that would require activie duty warriors be paid in case of a goeernment shutdown.

01 Scott is at a Veterans Conference....Jimmy hosts solo

Show opens with comments on Seal Team 6 successful execution of Osama Bin Laden and a rant on why we do nodt need to see the death pictures.

03 An Interview with William Elmore and Edward Schrank -...

We chat with Bill Elmore, Associate Administrator, Veterans Office of Business Development, U.S. Small Business Administration and Marine Gunnery Sergeant Ed Schrank about small business opportunities and assistance available to Veterans who'd like to become entrepreneurs!

01 Veterans News & Views - Part l

Scott opens with a story about how the VFW can help with our "Unmet Needs" program, and we discuss recent events in Afghanistan, the VA's energy conservation measures and how the former President George Bush and Lance Armstrong teamed up on bicycles to support our Wounded Warriors.

03 An Interview with Ferdi Villegas

We interview Ferdi Villegas, a Southern California Field Manager for the Philips Lifeline Medical Alert Service about their product.

01 Veterans News & Views - Part l

Jimmy opens with a story about a new Smartphone application available from the VA to help those suffering from PTSD, and we report on the Physical Disability Review Boards' call for those who received a disability separation from the Armed Forces evaluated 20% or less to ask for a review, a drop in infections in VA Medical Centers (see www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1007474 ) and discuss upcoming Congressional issues.

03 An Interview with Victoria Collier, Esquire - Part l

Our Friend Victoria Collier, an Air Force Veteran and Attorney in Decatur, Georgia, and Author of "47 Secret Veterans Benefits for Seniors" joins the show again to discuss the VA's Improved Disability and Death Pension programs,with their "Basic", "Housebound" and "Aid & Attendance" special monthly pensions.

01 Veterans News & Views - Part l

Scott announces the VFW's participation in the new White House Initiative "Joining Forces", and Jimmy comments on the Congressional deliberations to pass a Continuing Resolution (CR) last week

03 John (Tilt) Stryker Meyer talks about the Book and...

Guest is John (Tilt) Stryker Meyer, author of "Across The Fence: The Secret War In Vietnam" Book is available at http://www.sogchronicles.com John talks about the book and his secret ops Laos and Cambodia during the war.

01 Jimmy hosts solo, Scott attending a training class

Opens with details on what happens to active duty military and Veterans in case of a government shutdown.

03 An Interview with Congressman Bob Filner - Part l

We interview Congressman Bob Filner of California, Former Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee about various items of legislation he's introduced.

01 Veterans News & Views - Part l

Scott announces a new partnership between USAA and the VFW, and we discuss yesterdays "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans" Day, the VA Health Care Systems efforts to help post-incarcerated Veterans and a visit by Muammar Qaddafi's Son to the Air Force Academy last mont

03 An Interview with Brian Petranick

We interview Brian Petranick, President and Chief Operations Officer of "Right-At-Home" Home Care about the perils of hiring incompetent or unscrupulous Home Care Providers, and how to avoid them by working with a Service that follows industry and legal standards. For more information, call their toll-free number is (877) 697-7537 or you can visit the weblink accompanying this segment.

01 Veterans News & Views - Part l

Jimmy opens by regaling his duty with a group of Patriot Guard Riders who welcomed home a lead contingent of the 3/5 Marines to Camp Pendleton earlier this week, and we report on updated Navy and Army Unit lists of those exposed to herbicides in Vietnam or Korea and comment on how to develop evidence for herbicide-related disability claims and comment on recent House Armed Service Committee meetings on TRICARE fee increases.

03 An Interview with Chip Dykes

We chat with Chip Dykes, Vice President of Business Development for the Southwest Veterans Business Resource Center about their outstanding program!

01 Veterans News & Views - Part l

Jimmy opens the show with a report from the Defense Health Board concerning the increasing number of amputation injuries incurred by our Troops in Afghanistan, and we the VFW National Commander-In-Chief's recent testimony to the House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committees and the Senates' passage of a Resolution marking March 30 as "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day".

03 An Interview with John Henry Parker

We interview John Henry Parker, Host of the "Harvesting Wisdom" Show on WSRadio under the "Military Channel" about his proposal to form the Purple Star Veterans and Families organization to provide resources and outreach to Veterans and their Families after military service is completed,during their mandatory "Inactive Ready Reserve" period and through the reintergration challenges of homecomiing, and the Purple Star Flag.

01 Veterans News & Views - Part l

We discuss the recent Supreme Court's decision in Snyder v. Phelps (The Westboro Baptist Church case), the same Court's recent decision on a Veteran's right to appeal a denial of Veterans benefits (an extension of the time to appeal rights) and the recent death of America's last living WW I survivor.

03 An Interview with Ray Kelley - Part l

We chat with Ray Kelley, Director of the National Legislative Service of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Washington, D.C. about the VFW's priority legislative issues in the coming Session of Congress.

01 Veterans News & Views - Part l

Jimmy opens the show, and Scott reports on the VFW National Commander's comments concerning the harrassment of former Army Sergeant and OIF Veteran Anthony Maschek during a Town Hall meeting at Columbia University, Jimmy comments on the Tea Party Republican's recommendations on Federal budget cuts and we report on the Navy's newest Honorary Chief Petty Officer.

03 An Interview with Mia Roseberry

We chat with Mia Roseberry, Founder of the Wounded Warrior Homes organization, to help Veterans with TBI or PTSD make a smooth transition to independent living.

01 Veterans News & Views - Part l

Jimmy opens with an update of J.P. Morgan Chases violation of the Federal law governing the allowable mortgage interest rate paid by deployed Military personnel, a warning about the use of individuals and Veteran Service Organizations that are not accredited with the VA's Office of the General Counsel and new legislation that would prohibit Family Court actions against deployed Military personnel.

03 An Interview with Kerstin Lynam

We chat with Kerstin Lynam, CEO of the Veterans Medical Research Foundation about the mission of the Foundation, and her new "Veterans Health Today" Radio Show on WSRadio.com on the second and fourth Mondays of the month from 4 to 5 PM Pacific Time!

01 An Interview with Neal Asper

We open with an Interview of Neal Asper, Director of the California State Veterans Home in Chula Vista, California, about the Elder abuse case involving Arnold Bauer, a 93 year old Pearl Harbor Survivor, here in San Diego.

03 An Interview with Victoria Collier, Esquire

We chat with Air Force Veteran and Elder Law Attorney Victoria Collier about her book "47 Secret Veterans' Benefits for Seniors" and the VA's Improved Pension program for War-Time Era Veterans and their Survivors.

01 Veterans News & Views - Part l

We open with a discussion about the President's State of the Union address and the Administration's new Military Family Campaign, the alarming increase in suicides among Army Guardsmen and Reservists, and Ricky Lee's support of the VFW's Military Assistance Program (MAP) (visit www.vfwstore.org/detail.aspx?ID=29609 to purchase his new album, Freedom)!

03 Veterans News & Views - Part ll

We report on an improvement to the VA's online Healthcare enrollment system, relief for Service Members charged more than 6% on their mortgage while deployed and some complaints about the improved Post 9/11 GI Bill.

01 Veterans News & Views - Part l

We open with an update from Troy Yocum, an OIF Army Veteran who is walking over 7,000 miles across America on a "Hike for our Heroes" to raise funds for the Soldiers Angels" organization. You can make a $5.00 donation via your cellular telephone by texting the word "Soldiers" to "20222" or visit the weblink accompanying this segment (this is a very worthy cause, please support it!), and we discuss the ST. Charles, Missouri City Council's decision to ban protests at Funerals and a possible...

03 An Interview with John Keene

We chat with John Keene, National Director of Network Contracting for HearUSA, live from Denver, Colorado, about their hearing aid discount program for Veterans and their Dependents. You can learn more about this program through the weblink below, or by calling (800) 442-8231.

01 Veterans News & Views - Part l

Jimmy opens with comments about Dr. Peter Rhee, a Navy Veteran and Surgeon at the University of Arizona Medical Center in Tuscon and his performance following the recent tragedy there, we chat with Troy Yocum, an OIF Army Veteran who is walking over 7,000 miles across America on a "Hike for our Heroes" to raise funds for the Soldiers Angels" organization. You can make a $5.00 donation via your cellular telephone by texting the word "Soldiers" to "20222" or visit the weblink accompanying this...

03 An Interview with Lynne Gilstrap

We chat with Lynne Gilstrap, a Volunteer with Home Front San Diego, about their support of our active duty personnel and their family members in the San Diego area.

01 Veterans News & Views - Part l

We chat with Troy Yocum near Austin, Texas, an OIF Army Veteran who is walking over 7,000 miles across America on a "Hike for our Heroes" to raise funds for the Soldiers Angels" organization. You can make a $5.00 donation via your cellular telephone by texting the word "Soldiers" to "20222" or visit the weblink accompanying this segment (this is a very worthy cause, please support it!), and discuss the 9th Circus Court's decision concerning the Mt. Soledad Memorial Cross, VetJobs reciept of...

03 An Interview with Ted Daywalt of VetJobs - Part l

We interview Ted Daywalt, President and Chief Executive Officer of VetJobs.com, an Internet Job Board for transitioning Military personnel, Veterans of the Uniformed Services, DOD Civilians and their Family members about Veterans employment issues and the benefits to hiring Veterans!

01 Veterans News & Views - Part l

We open with a update from Troy Yocum near Fort Hancock, Texas, an OIF Army Veteran who is walking over 7,000 miles across America on a "Hike for our Heroes" to raise funds for the Soldiers Angels" organization. You can make a $5.00 donation via your cellular telephone by texting the word "Soldiers" to "20222" or visit the weblink accompanying this segment (this is a very worthy cause, please support it!), and discuss the Military pay raise, TRICARE expansion, and other beneficial items in...

03 An Interview with Debbie Burak

We interview Debbie Burak, Founder of the Veteran Aid organization, about the VA's "Aid & Attendance" Improved Pension Program for Wartime Era Veterans and their Survivors.

01 Veterans News & Views - Part l

We open with comment from the VFW National Commander about the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT), the recent passage of the National Defense Appropriation Act and the VA;s progress on the processing of disability claims for the new herbicide-related diseases.

02 Veterans News & Views - Part ll

We get an update from Troy Yocum near Thatcher, Arizona, an OIF Army Veteran who is walking 7,000 miles across America on a "Hike for our Heroes" to raise funds for the Soldiers Angels" organization. You can make a $5.00 donation via your cellular telephone by texting the word "Soldiers" to "20222" or visit the weblink accompanying this segment (this is a very worthy cause, please support it!), the recent passage of The Veterans Employment Opportunities Act, and the fact that there will be...