John Basilone (November 4, 1916 – February 19, 1945) was a United States Marine Corps gunnery sergeant who received the Medal of Honor for actions during the Battle for Henderson Field in the Guadalcanal campaign, and the Navy Cross posthumously for extraordinary heroism during the Battle of Iwo Jima. He was the only enlisted Marine to receive both of these decorations in World War II.

This week’s first guest is photographer and US Navy Veteran Richard Sherman

Richard Sherman is a Navy Gulf War veteran and a professional photographer who recently published “Never Home: Remembering the Military Heroes Who Never Returned,” which honors the more than 207,000 men and women who are memorialized in America’s 23 overseas WWI and WWII cemeteries. He traveled and photographed all 23 American overseas WWI and WWII military cemeteries over the course of six years (8 trips to 3 continents): from Normandy to Tunisia, from Florence to Manila, and from England to Luxembourg. The book features more than 50 biographies of those who never made it home: from names you know, like Roosevelt and Patton, to ones you never heard of like Vinsant and Summers. The book includes more than 225 photos including several of his images from the 75th anniversary ceremony of the D-Day landings at Normandy American Cemetery.

The Foreword of the book was written by Vice Admiral Doug Crowder (Ret.), the former Commander of the US Navy’s 7th Fleet (Asia).

Learn more about the book here.

We also hear from Robert S. Colella, President and Founder of The Debrief Project

Dale speaks with Bobby Colella, who served in the United States Army Infantry for 21 years reaching the rank of First Sergeant. Bobby’s service includes 27 months leading soldiers in combat during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004-2005 (Ramadi/Fallujah) and 2005-2006 (Baqubah). After retiring as a First Sergeant in 2010, Bobby was recruited by a private contractor and supported both Operation Iraqi Freedom from Kuwait and Operation Enduring Freedom in Kabul, Afghanistan. After two years overseas, Bobby returned to Central Florida and continued his work with PEO-STRI in Research Park as a Subject Matter Expert and later as a Military Analyst for the U.S. Army’s SOF Training Systems, Engagement Skills Trainer Program until January 2016.

In 2012, Bobby published “Battle for Baqubah: Killing Our Way Out.” In 2016, Bobby shifted his career toward the healthcare industry, where he held the position of director of new hire training and operations for AdventHealth’s Central and East Florida Divisions (15 hospitals and growing). Though Bobby’s post-military career was focused on supporting the training of newly hired nurses and other clinical staff, Bobby has maintained his passion for taking care of the troops and giving back to his community through various volunteer programs including assisting with establishing the Orlando and Daytona Beach Chapters of Team Red, White, and Blue and current administrative director for Redemption Community Biker Church in Daytona Beach. Bobby recently retired from AdventHealth to focus on The Debrief Project and its mission.

Learn more about The Debrief Project here, and tune in to hear from Bobby himself about this nonprofit aimed at helping Veterans tell their stories.

Colonel Stephen Perkins talks about Major General Oliver W. Dillard, Sr.'s career from enlisted to officer. Ultimately rising to Major General in the U.S. Army focusing on military intelligence. Perkins explains Dillard's commands from Korea, Germany, and stateside. Dillard was the first black general officer in the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence. Dillard retired in 1980. Perkins chats with host Jim Fausone on this remarkable military officer.

This week’s first guest is Major General James W. Lukeman from the MCHF

Major General James W. Lukeman, USMC (Ret.), is the President and CEO of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation (MCHF). His distinguished 40-year career included assignments as Rifle and Weapons Platoon Commander in Alpha Company and 81mm Mortar Platoon Commander, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines; Assistant Operations Officer and Company Commander of Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines; Executive Officer of 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines; and Operations Officer, 1st Marine Division. He commanded 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines and served as the Assistant Chief of Staff, G-7 and G-3 for the 1st Marine Division in Iraq during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.

Possible discussion topics include:

• In his role at the MCHF, he leads efforts to preserve and promote the history, traditions, and culture of the Marine Corps through educational initiatives and the National Museum of the Marine Corps. The National Museum of the Marine Corps has introduced two new galleries showcasing hundreds of artifacts from all primary U.S. Marine Corps operations from post-Cold War through Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
• The Marine Corps is also gearing up to celebrate its 250th anniversary next year. To commemorate this momentous occasion, MCHF is celebrating nationwide through cake-cutting ceremonies and many other events.
• Major General Lukeman can also shed light on the transition from active duty to civilian life. Drawing from his extensive combat experience and command roles, he can offer powerful insight into making decisions under pressure and leading in different environments.

Dale also talks with Marc Leepson, author and returning guest

We are also joined by Marc Leepson, arts editor and senior writer and columnist for The VVA Veteran, the national magazine published by the VVA.

Leepson returns to Veterans Radio once more to discuss his new book, “The Unlikely War Hero: A Vietnam War POW’s Story of Courage and Resilience in the Hanoi Hilton.”

Learn more about Leepson here, and see some of his other books on his website.

Dr. Lanny Snodgrass was 63 yrs old when going thru basic training. As an experienced psychologist his expertise was needed and his desire to serve burned hot. He talks about age and military service in his book Ageless Call to Serve. The correlation between age and PTSD is discussed with host Jim Fausone along with ideas on how the military could rethink the age issues and redeploy older Americans wishing to serve.

This week’s first guest is Colonel Jason K. Fettig (ret.), internationally recognized musician

Colonel Jason K. Fettig is the 28th Director of “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band. Col. Fettig joins host Jim Fausone to discuss his career, famous composer John Philip Sousa, tradition, and music in the the military.

Learn more about Col. Fettig here.

We also hear from two Navy Veterans on the renaming of the USS John C. Stennis

Navy Veterans Capt. John Cordle and LCdr Keith Green, both retired, talk with Jim Fausone about the USS Stennis, which is named after former Mississippi senator John C. Stennis (1901-1995) who was an avowed segregationist. Cordle and Green talk about Stennis, his history, and the afront of having an aircraft carrier named after him. Several servicemembers, current and retired, are pushing for the USS Stennis to be renamed once it sets sail after a maintenance overhaul currently taking place.

Cordle wrote an article on the subject for the Navy Times, called “Now is the time to rename the carrier John C. Stennis.”

The Six Triple Eight is a Netflix film directed by Tyler Perry that tells the inspirational story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, an all-Black, all-female unit in World War II. Tasked with clearing a massive backlog of mail for American troops in Europe, these women overcame racial and gender discrimination to boost soldiers' morale and highlight the significant contributions of Black women in the war.

Confirming our earlier reporting, the movie will be released globally on Friday, December 20th, 2024. The film will also screen in select theaters beginning December 6th.

Learn about the very successful program US Chamber Foundation runs HiringOurHeroes.org. Navy Veteran Eric Eversole , president of Hiring Our Heroes, talks with host Jim Fausone about the program. Over 700 companies work with HoH to create opportunities and internships for transitioning military. Over 12,000 service members have been placed with thousands of companies for a great first job post military service.

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. Paul R. Lawrence – Former Under Secretary of Benefits, Dept. of Veteran Affairs, and author of “Veterans Benefits for You: Get What You Deserve“

Topics covered include:

• PACT ACT
• Camp Lejeune
• Homeless Veterans Emergency Help Number: (877) 424-3838
• What to do about VA Claim Denials
• Spousal Benefits
• And much more.

Listen to Army veteran and supplier diversity expert Annette Stevenson talk about veteran certification, NVBDC and the value of supplier diversity. She talks to host Jim Fausone about these issues and gives common sense explanations from North Carolina.