Veterans Radio Veterans Radio America

This week, following the 80th anniversary of D-Day, we’re sharing stories from the archives that remember and honor WWII veterans.
First we hear an interview with Len Lomell, originally aired in 2006. SSGT Lomell was a WWII Veteran and the last survivor of the assault on Pointe-Du-Hoc.
D-Day, 6 June 1944, was the largest invasion in the history of the world. Pointe-Du-Hoc was a nearly 100-meter high cliff, with perpendicular sides jutting out into the English Channel. You won’t believe the story of this incredible example of American ingenuity as we learn how this small group of Rangers was finally able to accomplish their mission despite all the SNAFUs. Join us as we talk with Len Lomell, the last survivor of the assault on Pointe-Du-Hoc. Len was a Toms River, NJ man. After the war he married and had 3 daughters while building a successful law practice. He passed away in 2011 at the age of 91.

Next we hear from author and history scholar Robert Lundgren, author of “The World Wonder’d: What Really Happened off Samar,” in an interview recorded in 2015.
This year marks the invasion’s 80th anniversary, and the last of the battle’s veterans are dying off, which makes honoring their sacrifice all the more important.
“The battles of WWII are not only part of our immediate heritage; our success in the war is why our heritage survives today,” says Lundgren, who adds that other veterans of the war also deserve to be honored. Throughout a 10-year period, he wrote “The World Wonder’d: What Really Happened Off Samar”. In the process of writing he had to learn how to read Kanji, which, in 1944, was closer to Chinese than what is spoken today in modern Japan.
“Accuracy in history matters,” he says. “Not only does it inform our current and future decisions – we also owe that integrity for those who fought for our privileges today.”
Lundgren discusses more details from WWII in honor of D-Day.
For the original program information, click here.

(Previously Aired on 3/24/2020) Jeffrey Copeland is a professor at the University of Northern Iowa and prolific author. He talks with host Jim Fausone about lessons the military and society should learn from COVID-19, the Spanish Flu of 1918 - its incredible death toll - and the Black Plague of 1924 in LA.

Former F16 pilot Heather "Lucky" Penney talks about the shrinkage of the Air Force's fleet and its impact on national security. She is a senior fellow at AFA's the Mitchell Institute. At this think tank, she speaks and writes on US Air Force related issues and discussed them with host Jim Fausone.

Join host Jim Fausone this week for three interviews:
Dr. James Rogers, war historian and drone expert, about modern drone warfare, the use of drones around the world, and where the military applications are headed.Robert Middleton, US Marine Corps veteran and National Commandant of Montford Point Marines of America, discussing the history of the first Blacks in the Marine Corp. He also shares details of the 14th Annual National Heritage Military Banquet & Awards Ceremony, a gala from the organization on June 23rd. Literature of War Foundation’s Michael Plunkett regarding its military book club approach to providing troops literature that unit members can read, discuss and bond over.

(Previously Aired on 5/19/2020) Andy Kubik spent 15 years in USAF Special Operations. He was stationed in theatres like Bosnia, Afghanistan, and Iraq. But his six overseas deployments as a combat controller and rescue man took its toll on his mental health and family. He talks about the heroic actions on November 23, 2001, that led to a Silver Star award. Substance abuse, PTSD, and TBI are mentioned; and the relationship with his son is highlighted with host Jim Fausone.

National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC.org) Founder Keith King talks about the success over the last decade of certifying veteran-owned businesses with host Jim Fausone,