American Warrior Radio

Submarine Veteran Kevin Loewe admits his initial motivation for joining the Navy did not spring from patriotism or high ideals; he just needed a job. But he came to love submarine service, spending most of his 20 active duty career in the "silent service". Kevin served on several submarines including fast attack boats and ballistic missile submarines.

On his very first deployment, the relief sub was delayed and they ended up spending 91 days submerged. "The only thing we had left on that sub was sardines, crackers and peanut butter." There were some exciting times too - much of his time on the USS Queenfish involved secret missions.

One mission put Kevin into one of the most exclusive clubs in history. On a visit to the North Pole, a scientist reminded Kevin that in recorded human history, fewer than 5,000 persons had stood where he was at that moment.

We also discuss the term "shipmate" and why it is so important. Part of qualifying for the submarine warfare pin in convincing your fellow crew members they can trust you with their life. Crew cross training is critical so that anyone can "at least keep a band aid on a problem" until the experts arrived. EVERY submarine sailor is trained in firefighting as that is one of their greatest threats.  One of his boats even had a fire in the engine compartment when their were moored to the pier.

Reflecting back on his career he only has one regret. When offered his choice of next duty stations he chose the USS Queenfish over the USS Darter, the last diesel submarine in commission. He later learned that because the Darter was so old they were no longer allowed to submerge and spent most of their time just traveling from port to port. (And bar to bar!)

Merchant Marine Veteran Dave Yoho falsified his birth certificate so he could join the effort during World War II.  He was fifteen years old when he joined the branch that would experience the highest casualty ratio of the war; 1 in 26 Merchant Marines would give their lives.

Dave joined the crew aboard the SS Great Meadows, a T2 refueling tanker operating in the Pacific Theatre. He worked in the engine room, thirty eight below the water line.  When he asked his “salty old” 22 year old officer how they would get out if hit, he was told “Kid..if we take a hit you ain’t gonna get out of here.”

The sacrifice made by the WWII Merchant Marine is exhibited by one particular convoy on the “Murmansk Run”, a critical supply line for the Russian allies. Of the 33 ships that began PQ 17, only 11 made it safely.

The war ended four days before Dave’s 17th birthday. When he returned home he was a Veteran but not able to vote or buy a drink.  Merchant Marines were not recognized as Veterans and therefore received no benefits.  “We call it an oversight because it eases the pain. If we thought it was anything else it would break our hearts.”  That “oversight” was not corrected until 1988.

Another initiative to recognize their service came about in 2020 when bi-partisan legislation to award all WWII Merchant Marines with the Congressional Gold Medal was signed into law. This came about thanks to advocates like Rita Cosby and Congressman John Garamendi.

“Life is a series of new beginnings and most of us made a choice.” Dave completed his GED, spend three years in “night school” and founded his own business at the age of 28. Today his company Dave Yoho Associates is one of the leaders in his industry & Dave is recognized as one of the most accomplished public speakers in the country.

Only approximately 2,000 WWII Merchant Marines remain. If you would like to support their cause please visit American Merchant Marine Veterans.

TAKEAWAY: “I’m not bitter. I only ask. Can you...will you..ever understand? We gave up our youth to serve. “

International Spy Museum Executive Director Christopher Costa may not have had experience in the museum business but he has decades of experience in the world of espionage and covert action.

He spent two decades as an Army counter-intelligence specialist working with special forces before moving on to the Navy Special Warfare Development Group (DEVGRU). Chris also served as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Counter Terrorism at the White House. He has been inducted into the United States Special Operations Commando Hall of Honor.

The International Spy Museum moved into new Washington, DC facilities in 2019, allowing for better display of the thousands of espionage artifacts they have in their collection - the largest collection on public display in the entire world. In addition to the fascinating objects on display, visitors can even undertake a “secret mission” complete with a cover identity and a debriefing that evaluates their skills.

They even offer virtual educational programs like “Spy Chat” and the “Spy Cast” podcast. “We responsibly educate the public on a topic that otherwise remains hidden. In some ways I am an unofficial ambassador and that is a privilege.”

As a young officer, Chris learned an important lesson about the emotional toll of betrayal while working on a spy penetration at NATO headquarters. The infiltrator was code named “Topaz” (an ode to the classic Alfred Hitchcock Cold War film) and they discovered that the spy’s wife worked in the NATO Office of Security.

We spend some time talking about his take on the vulnerabilities of a polarized nation and foreign actors’ exploitation of social media. This issue was masterfully explored in an article by Dr. Alice Atalanta.

The Spy Museum is a non-profit organization and listeners can support them by making a donation or buying some of their cool merchandise.

TAKEAWAY: Good spy craft is really personal. It’s building a deep relationship and then accepting that there will be a leap of faith at some time.

“Unforgotten in the Gulf of Tonkin; A Story of the US Military’s Commitment to Leave No One Behind” is a superbly researched book.  “We will leave no person behind” is an ethos of our military dating as far back as before the Revolutionary War. Author Eileen Bjorkman served 30 years in the Air Force, much of it as a flight test engineer. She has experience with more than 25 different military aircraft.

Flight Test Engineers are behind the scenes personnel who work in the backseat of aircraft and control rooms to design tests in order to gather data.  They then make recommendations for improvements and changes. “That’s why we test. So our warfighters can be their best.”

While Unforgotten in the Gulf of Tonkin revolves around the specific story of Navy pilot Willie Sharpe who was shot down over Vietnam in 1965, it is best described as a broader examination of the evolution of Combat Search and Rescue.  Eileen chose to feature Sharpe because his case featured many historic firsts. These included forward staged rescue helicopters and orbiting amphibious aircraft that were literally put into place a few days before he was shot down.  Radio traffic of the entire rescue was tape recorded and a copy was presented to Sharpe.

In the book Eileen shares some amazing stories of combat rescues ranging from World War I to the first use of a helicopter way back in World War II. The story of one particular Catalina amphibious aircraft rescue of the crews of three different bombers while under fire is especially compelling.

We also spend some time talking about specific technologies (like the ejection seat) that improved survivability. The Department of Defense is even soliciting design proposals for Autonomous Personnel Recovery vehicles that would allow downed pilots to “phone for an taxi”.

“Three Wise Men” tells the story of one family’s extreme sacrifice during the longest sustained period of conflict in our nation’s history. All three Wise brothers enlisted. Jeremy became a Navy SEAL, Ben a Green Beret and Beau a Marine. Together they would spend 1,600 days deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Both Jeremy and Ben would be killed in action, triggering the Department of Defense “Sole Survivor” designation for youngest brother Beau.

The Fog of War is a recurring theme in Three Wise Men, including the situation that led to Jeremy losing his life. The December 30, 2009 suicide bombing at Forward Operating Base Chapman in Khost, Afghanistan would become the CIA’s second highest single day casualty event in the agency’s history. Jeremy would be awarded the CIA Intelligence Star.

Returning to combat following Jeremy’s funeral, brother Ben would pray “Lord please keep us safe. Not for me but for the people who care about me. What happened to Jeremy can never happen to my family again.”  But tragedy would call upon the Wise family one more time.

While pursing high value targets in Afghanistan’s Balk Province on January 9th, 2012 Ben would sustain serious wounds. He died Jan. 15 at the military hospital in Landstuhl.

At Ben’s funeral, Marine Corps Commandant General James F.  Amos told their grieving mother “Mrs. Wise, you have my word that Beau is not going anywhere for a long, long time."

While Beau says that in retrospect the Corps’ decision was the right one, it became apparent over time that his career as a Marine was effectively over because he was prohibited from going into combat. Beau found himself wondering how he would deal with the loss of two brothers without his own Marine brotherhood.

TAKEAWAY: “People will see the title of the book and think the third Wise Man is me, but it’s not, it’s my Dad.”

Rita Cosby is one of the most respected broadcasters in America and an ardent advocate for our military and Veterans.  She has practiced her craft as both a radio and television host and has been recognized with THREE Emmy Awards – the highest recognition for excellence in the broadcast industry.

While she has interviewed over twenty world leaders, entertainment icons and even a serial killer, her greatest interview may have been with her own father. As a child she noticed that her father Richard had scars “etched like cracks in dried mud.” Her mother simply said “we don’t talk about it.” Cleaning out possessions after her mothers’ passing, she discovered a tattered suitcase that contained a bloody red & white Polish armband and an ex-POW card. Rita says this started the greatest story of her life.

As a teenager her father was part of the World War II Polish resistance that fought for their freedom against overwhelming odds.  He fought in the Warsaw Uprising and endured the horrors of a German POW camp. Rita tells his incredible story in her book “Quiet Hero: Secrets From My Father’s Past”.

Rita was recently named Chair of the Global Service Institute. This innovative initiative seeks to create “generations of greater good” by inspiring people to serve in their communities. The institute has a free app that directly connects volunteers with charities in their area. Rita encourages both non-profits and volunteers to register for the app and explore their virtual speaker series featuring leaders from around the globe.

Rita was also recently involved in a campaign to finally secure recognition for the unsung heroes of the Merchant Marines.

TAKEAWAY: “There are millions of people around the globe who everyday are praying that they come to a riverbed with GIs on the other side. This beacon on the hill..this incredible thing that IS America.”

Firefighter cancer was the leading cause of career line of duty deaths between 2002 and 2017. Deputy Chief Darin Wallentine of the Tucson Fire Department joins us to share more information during National Firefighter Cancer Awareness month.

Firefighters have a 9% greater chance of being diagnosed with cancer and a 14% greater chance of dying from cancer than the general U.S. population.  A contributing factor is new building materials that can create a toxic soup when aflame.

While the Personal Protective Equipment worn by our firefighters is state of the art, it does not completely eliminate the risk. Inhalation exposure is the greatest risk, but dermal exposure and ingestion are also factors. One of the goals of National Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month is to deliver targeted education about best practices and resources to reduce the impact of cancer on our firefighters.

Darin provides examples of some of the simple procedures that can reduce risk. One of which is the very “low tech” post fire decontamination technique consisting of a five gallon bucket of water with Dawn dish soap added. Using wet wipes at the fire scene and a “shower within an hour” after returning to the station are also recommended procedures. Some departments have the ability to provide their crews with a second set of turnouts so firefighters always have a fresh and clean set.

Listeners are asked to engage with their local governments to makes sure that their local departments have the funding to make sure their public safety personnel always have the funds necessary to supply the best equipment.

TAKEAWAY: “I look at Firefighting as a blessing and a curse. It’s the greatest job in the world but on the flip side of the coin it can be a curse when you are sitting in a doctor’s office getting that diagnosis you weren’t expecting.”

Hearing loss is the number one service related issue among Veterans.  Dr. Christi Moore has been practicing audiology for over two decades and was inspired to enter the field after growing up with family members who suffered from hearing loss. Veterans make up about ten to fifteen percent of her patient base.

Dr. Moore provides us a basic primer on the biology of hearing loss and how continued exposure to noises in excess of 90 decibels can cause hair cells to weaken.  While repeated exposure to gunfire, explosions and loud engines is an obvious exposure risk for members of our military and first responders, she explains that there are devices in civilian’s daily lives that can also contribute; power tools, the increased use of headsets/ear buds for music and even a shop vacuum cleaner.

I grew up regularly using firearms and chain saws and now suffer from Tinnitus. Damaged hair cells can sometimes get confused and create a “phantom sound” that the brain interprets as a noise.  Other health conditions like cardiovascular issues, medications or infections can also cause Tinnitus. While there is no cure for Tinnitus, there are therapies that can reduced the intensity of the affliction.

We discuss the issue of denial and how hearing aids are no longer perceived in our society as simply a sign of “old age”. Dr. Moore encourages Veterans to explore treatment options and funding through the VA health system.

Dr. Moore emphasizes protective measures and highly recommends properly rated “shuttering earmuffs” for persons who enjoy shooting or are regularly exposed to loud noises.

TAKEAWAY: “It’s never easy to admit that something isn’t working right in your body system. Even if you don’t think your hearing problem is bad right now, don’t wait until it gets bad before you do something about it.”

Havok Journal Editor Scott Faith joins us for the first show of the New Year; a retrospective on 2020. Havok Journal is my “go to” website for all things Veteran and Military.

Scott and I discuss the messages shared in several of their articles published over the last year, beginning with “Resolutions for Veterans”.  The piece is based upon a poll of all their writers.

The number one resolution on the list reinforces the mission of both the Journal and American Warrior Radio; encouraging Veterans to tell their story.  Several of the resolutions touch on the theme of helping fellow Veterans and their families and seeking help when needed.

Havok Journal’s “biggest” article of 2020 was “We Are the Useful Idiots; How Our Nation Divided is Playing Strait into the Hands of our Greatest Enemies” written by Dr. Alice Atalanta. Alice builds upon comments from a 34 year Intelligence Officer who calls out the vulnerability of a polarized nation. She also provides tips on how each of us can take responsibility for not spreading disinformation on social media and putting out the “flame wars.”

We wrap up with a piece written by Kevin Wilson about the biggest “cyber blue on blue” event of the year:  “Cancel Culture; Black Rifle Coffee Company vs 2A Bro Vets”.  Black Rifle was founded by Green Beret Evan Hafer in 2014 and has become one of our nation’s most successful Veteran owned companies. They have millions of social media followers and generated revenues of $80 million 2019. An ill-advised link to the Kyle Rittenhouse incident by one of their affiliates created quite a kerfuffle in the Veteran community.

TAKEAWAY: “Perhaps more than some others, we as Vets know yesterday is done, today is a gift, and there is no guarantee of tomorrow. The coming year is yours – what will YOU do with it?”

“Last Stands; Why Men Fight When All is Lost” is the latest book by Michael Walsh. The book examines several legendary battles from the Spartans at Thermopylae to the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. Michael has authored 16 works of fiction and non-fiction and his books have been translated into more than twenty languages.

Michael had just completed two books examining classic western civilization and the next logical step was looking at the men who fought to preserve western culture. In particular, Michael says the book is homage to his father & his comrades, a Marine who fought in Korea & Vietnam.

Michael purposely did not write a military history book that strictly focuses on the tactical and operational level but rather one that examines recurring themes in all these battles and their broader cultural context . We agree that “You can’t beat up history with the lens of today.” His chapter on The Alamo provides a perfect example.

Last Stands is meticulously researched and full of surprises like the fact that General George Custer had plans to run for President and achieving a big win in the Indian Wars would have added to his stock. Michael calls the Battle of Little Big Horn perhaps the “worst campaign event ever.”

Michael chose the battles based upon a common thread; last stands where the losing side winds up winning – their sacrifice was not wasted. Michael’s analysis of the Battle of Shiloh emblemizes this concept for both General Grant and the Union Army.

We briefly discuss the idea of whether we as a society still fight wars with the goal of complete victory. Michael believes the real question is “When was the last time we fought a war to win it?” That responsibility falls upon the civilian leadership, not our military.

TAKEAWAY: “While technology may change, human nature is immutable”