James McBride, West Point Class of 2002 joins Dane Neal on WGN Radio. Hear as James shares excitement around the Army Navy game and what makes it so special for fans and service members around the world. Listen as James fills us in on the pivotal time as he and his class were in their senior year during the World Trade Center attacks and how they stayed close throughout combat service after. James shares how great friends who have become family and future generations celebrating together bring these former Cadets back to “America’s Game”. Stay tuned to WGN Radio for more Veteran Voices features, highlighting our men and women in uniform and service members making a difference.

West Point class of 2002 Cadet, Rob Newbill joins Dane Neal on WGN Radio. Hear as Rob talks about the significance of the Army Navy game as a time for all fans and West Point family to come together and celebrate each other, great times and the team. Listen as Rob shares how special it is to have his kids play with his classmates’ kids that have become like family and how the “Long Gray Line” ties everyone together through life. Rob fills us in on the excitement around the game, with tailgates, fly overs, “prisoner of war” exchanges and the march ons that stay with cadets beyond gameday and adds to the tradition and history. Stay tuned for more features highlighting Veteran Voices here on WGN Radio and wgnradio.com.

West Point class of 2002 spouse, Veronica Jaffett joins Dane Neal on WGN Radio. Hear as Veronica shares her unique path to USMA with her husband, former cadet and current faculty member at USMA. Coming from Hawaii, the lure of love and a life in the Army took her to West Point and then around the country as she and her husband, LTC(P) Vic Jaffett, built a life, careers and family. Hear as Veronica shares the camaraderie of the West Point “family” and the closeness of the class as they all get together to celebrate the rivalry and each other before “America’s Game”. 

West Point class of 2002 President, Kevin Johnson joins Dane Neal on WGN Radio live from the tailgate at “America’s Game”. Hear as Kevin shares the comradery of cadets, armed forces and fans at Army Navy and what brought him and his classmates to the game this year. Listen as Kevin talks about the deep connection of many generations and the “Long Gray Line” that shares the history and tradition of West Point. Kevin fills us in on the storied rivalry and how service members around the world tune in. Kevin shares how this iconic event brings together classes both present and past as well as the next generation of kids who will be the future of the Academies and our Armed Forces.

Best-selling author, personality and leading voice in the world of Wine, Mark Oldman joins Dane Neal on WGN Radio. Hear as Mark shares the current state of the wine industry, with shifts in trends and global warming creating new and different challenges and opportunities. Listen as Mark (recognized as the “Consigliere of Celebration”) gives suggestions for a great New Years Eve, to keep your celebrations festive and fun. Mark gives us all the information on his new Bevinars Series coming up in 2025, building on the popular virtual tastings that bring the best wines and storylines together for fans from all over. With millions wanting to emulate his lifestyle and success, Mark fills us in on his journey in wine and how it all started. For more information on Mark, his books, appearances and merchandise go to https://www.markoldman.com/ and for the latest Bevinars and ways to get in on all the interactive action, check out https://www.bevinars.com/virtual-wine-classes/

Always win with the Undefeated Flavor of El Bandido Yankee, the Official Tequila of GameDay! For events, recipes and places for purchase go to www.elbandidoyankee.com

Freddy Fagenholz, GM of the legendary Murphy’s Bleachers, joins Dane Neal on WGN Radio. Hear as Freddy shares excitement around the WGN Radio live pregame broadcast and how fans will get to “Break Out the Bandido” at Murphy’s all day for the Winter Classic. Murphy’s Bleachers, located just across the street from Wrigley Field, will host the WGN Radio, Blackhawks pregame show before the game between the Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues. Listen as WGN Radio sports host, Kevin Powell jumps on with Freddy and Dane to preview the day and excitement coming up for fans and the broadcast. El Bandido Yankee Tequila co-founders Jim Bob Morris and Chris Chelios should be on hand for the show starting at 1pm live from Murphy’s. For information on Murphy’s Bleachers for events coming up and all summer long with the Cubs go to https://murphysbleachers.com/

Always WIN with the Undefeated Flavor of El Bandido Yankee, the Official Tequila of GameDay! For events, recipes and places for purchase go to www.elbandidoyankee.com

Resort Manager for Holiday Inn Club Vacations, James Coon joins Dane Neal on WGN Radio. Hear as James shares the excitement around the resorts and how owners and guests are enjoying mountains, beaches and everywhere in between through the club. Listen as James talks about specific experiences in Lake Tahoe, Scottsdale and Las Vegas that have guests coming back for vacations and some of the biggest events in sports and music. James gives the latest on new all-inclusive resorts added recently in Mexico and opportunities to experience it all as a vacationing traveler or even as a team member with Holiday Inn Club Vacations! For more information on resorts, reservations and getting in on all the ownership action, go to https://www.holidayinnclub.com

Always win with the Undefeated Flavor of El Bandido Yankee, the Official Tequila of GameDay! For events, recipes and places for purchase go to www.elbandidoyankee.com

Director of Operations and Sales for the ASA Stars National Tour, Marty Melo joins Dane Neal on WGN Radio. Hear as Marty fills us in on things coming for the expanding tour with TV contracts, new races on track and all the excitement of Super Late Model racing. Hear as Marty shares top drivers ready to race for next season and fun for fans and families that will be out at great local tracks to hopefully “Break Out the Bandido” in 2025. For more information on events, tracks, TV, tickets and more, go to https://starsnationaltour.com

Next race weekend, make it Tequila at the Track with El Bandido Yankee, the Official Tequila of Raceday! For events, recipes and places for purchase go to www.elbandidoyankee.com

WGN’s Dane Neal, in for John Williams, chats with wine expert Mark Oldman to find out which wines are trending this holiday season as well as the wine that consumers should buy for their Christmas gatherings. Mark also talks about his experience as a wine professional and discusses where most wine is being purchased.

Dr. Jeffrey Kopin, Chief Medical Officer for Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, joins WGN’s Dane Neal to discuss the importance of staying healthy in a busy holiday and winter season. Dr. Kopin talks about COVID’s effect on us now compared to 2020 as well as certain health issues that tend to spike during the holidays. Dr. Kopin gives tips to stay healthy when doing physical activities in the cold.