In this week’s episode, we celebrate Flag Day and commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the United States Army. Exploring the enduring legacy of service, sacrifice, and the symbols that unite us. Join us for a heartfelt celebration of military history, national pride, and the individuals who continue to serve in extraordinary ways.

We first speak with U.S. Army Colonel (ret.) Christine Cook

Cook holds a Ph.D. in History from Wayne State University, M.A. in Women and Gender Studies from Eastern Michigan University, and B.A. in English Literature from Princeton University. Her research and U.S. Army War College News Archives scholarship works to fill the gap in historical knowledge of women in the military.

Professor Cook retired as a Colonel with thirty years of service in the National Guard and US Army Reserve. Professor Cook has worked in the US Army War College’s Department of Distance Education for ten years as a Drilling Individual Mobilization Augmentee. In 2022, she joined the department faculty. Cook will teach the Strategic Leadership Course to first-year Distance Education students, the foundational course of the Distance Education Program.

We’re then joined by Recording Artist Dave Caley

We also spotlight a patriotic tribute: “Raise It High,” a song written by Keith Bradford and recorded by USMC Veteran and Nashville recording artist Dave Caley. Created for the American Braille Flag Project, this powerful anthem honors blind and visually impaired veterans by helping them “see” the flag through touch and music.

Learn more about the American Braille Flag Project.

We first speak with Author & Veteran David Brown

Host Jim Fausone interviews David Brown, U.S. Navy Veteran. Standing at 5'3" and 100 lbs, he 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.

Check out "And Goliath" on Amazon.

Next, Host Jim Fausone Interviews Susan Galvin, MD

US Air Force Veteran Susan Galvin, MD was at the Pentagon on 9/11 seeing patients when the terrorist plane crashed. She talks about her military career, that infamous day and receiving the US Army Soldier's Medal for her actions that day. She credits the medical team and tells her personal story to host Jim Fausone.

Read more about Susan Galvin's heroism on 9/11.

Every state offers veterans and in particular disabled veterans certain tax exemptions. This podcast points out a VA guide of all the benefits. US Army veteran Stephen Parent talks about a property tax exemption problem in Michigan that he is working on correcting. Parent explains this to host Jim Fausone.

Paris D. Davis (born 13 May 1939) is a retired United States Army officer who received the Medal of Honor on 3 March 2023 for his actions on 18 June 1965 during the Vietnam War. He was previously nominated twice for the Medal of Honor, but both times the paperwork relating to his nomination disappeared. Davis, then a captain with the 5th Special Forces Group, was instead awarded the Silver Star. After 50 years his award was upgraded to the Medal of Honor and Col. Davis tells of this story to host Jim Fausone.

GET ANSWERS FROM OUR EXPERT PANEL!

• Dale Throneberry – Founder and Host of Veterans Radio
• Brig. Gen. Carol Ann Fausone (ret) – Legal Help for Veterans
• Dr. Jason Vassy is a doctor and medical researcher at Harvard Medical School and the VA Boston Healthcare System. He cares for patients as a primary care physician and studies how to use genetic information to improve medical care. For the past 10 years, he has led the Genomes2Veterans research program, which looks at how genetic testing can help doctors choose safer, more effective treatments for individuals and provide a more accurate understanding of someone’s disease risks. Dr. Vassy also works with patients in large studies like the Million Veteran Program and is a lead researcher in the VA’s All of Us Research Program. He is currently heading up a Prostate Cancer research project at the VA.

Bill Elmore is the grandfather of the veteran owned business field. He has been working with VOBs for about 50 years. He explains the SBA process for getting involved with VOBs and where that future for VOBs may be heading with host Jim Fausone.

Our first guest is War Correspondent & Author Joe Galloway

Host Dale Throneberry interviews Joe Galloway, civilian war correspondent and best-selling author, about his book “They Were Soldiers.” It showcases the inspiring true stories of 49 Vietnam veterans who returned home from the “lost war” to enrich America’s present and future.

Check out “They Were Soldiers” on Amazon.

Next, Host Gary Lillie interviews Webmaster Michael Patterson

Host Gary Lillie interviews Michael Patterson, webmaster of ARLINGTONCEMETERY.COM, as we honor those who have died for our country and for freedom. Together we will learn about the best-known of the special places reserved for them.

More than 4,000,000 people visit Arlington National Cemetery each year, more than 300,000 reside there, and over 500 more are added each week. Near-mythological stories of valor, commitment, sacrifice, and patriotism surround you as you walk the grounds. It is the location of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The official name is Arlington National Cemetery, but it is known simply as Arlington.

Brain Thacker's story is told in a quick interview about his conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. 1st Lt. Thacker, Field Artillery, Battery A, distinguished himself while serving as the team leader of an Integrated Observation System collocated with elements of two Army of the Republic of Vietnam units at Fire Base 6. A numerically superior North Vietnamese Army force launched a well-planned dawn attack on the small, isolated, hilltop fire base. Employing rockets, grenades, flamethrowers, and automatic weapons, the enemy forces penetrated the perimeter defenses and engaged the defenders in hand-to-hand combat.

Throughout the morning and early afternoon, 1st Lt. Thacker rallied and encouraged the U.S. and Republic of Vietnam soldiers in heroic efforts to repulse the enemy. He occupied a dangerously exposed observation position for a period of four hours while directing friendly air strikes and artillery fire against the assaulting enemy forces. His personal bravery and inspired leadership enabled the outnumbered friendly forces to inflict a maximum of casualties on the attacking enemy forces and prevented the base from being overrun.

By late afternoon, the situation had become untenable. 1st Lt. Thacker organized and directed the withdrawal of the remaining friendly forces. With complete disregard for his personal safety, he remained inside the perimeter alone to provide covering fire with his M-16 rifle until all other friendly forces had escaped from the besieged fire base. Then, in an act of supreme courage, he called for friendly artillery fire on his own position to allow his comrades more time to withdraw safely from the area and, at the same time, inflict even greater casualties on the enemy forces. Although wounded and unable to escape from the area himself, he successfully eluded the enemy forces for eight days until friendly forces regained control of the fire base. The extraordinary courage and selflessness displayed by 1st Lt. Thacker were an inspiration to his comrades and are in the highest traditions of the military service.