Roger Staubach is a football legend. You may know he coined the phrase “Hail Mary Pass”, but did you know that he is also a Navy Veteran? Staubach is the last member of the Naval Academy to have won the Heisman Trophy and the first player to win both the Heisman and Super Bowl most valuable player. Diagnosed as color blind, Staubach was prohibited from serving in many Navy line officer commands so he became logistics officer. At a time [...]
Local fishermen called it a suicide mission – but it would turn into the greatest small boat rescue in Coast Guard history. Two tankers had broken in half off of Cape Cod. Four men would head to sea in 80 mph winds and 60 foot waves to save the remaining crew of the Pendleton. They were sailing a 36 foot wooden single engine boat. Coast Guard Petty Officer Bernard Weber was ordered to take a boat out, but the rest [...]
Colonel James P. Meger is the Commander of the 355th Fighter Wing, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. Davis-Monthan is one of the largest installation and flying operations in the Air Force, with 7.500 airmen, 3,200 civilian personnel and more than 100 aircraft. It is the principal training base for all A-10 pilots. The base also hosts a number of tenant units such as the 12th Air Force Headquarters, various rescue squadrons and the “boneyard”. Meger is an Air Force Academy graduate. [...]
Past American Warrior guest Leo Jenkins has written about the distinction between a gladiator and a warrior. A warrior is a person who dons the uniform to wear on the field of battle and a gladiator dons a uniform to compete on an athletic field. There are many cases of those who have been both. Pat Tillman gave up a lucrative NFL contract with the Arizona Cardinals to join the Army Rangers following the 9/11 attacks. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Roger [...]
Gary Sinise at Korean DMZ Freedom and liberty are the topics for two warriors and two civilians. Major Stacie Shafran served in both Iraq and Afghanistan. During her Afghanistan deployment she was part of a provisional reconstruction team assigned to work with Afghan women. She shares the differences and parallels between what those women are seeking and the important reforms led by women in our own country. Stacie also reminds us to consider leaders like Abraham Lincoln who advanced [...]
Russ Violett was raised on a Montana farm. Much of his early life was spent with oil burning stoves, gas burning lamps and an outhouse. He considered the Air Force as a reasonable escape route from the frigid Montana winters. Little did he know that this decision would take him to the much warmer jungles of Southeast Asia and the deserts of Saudi Arabia before he retired at the rank of Major General. Violett’s squadron would be assigned their first combat [...]
The Federal Bureau of Investigation lists 200 active shooter incidents between the years 2000 and 2015. It is an unpleasant thought but better to be prepared. Do you have a plan? Does your business? Two experts join American Warrior Radio to share their recommendations and practical tips useful for everyone in today’s environment. Scott Dearduff is a combat veteran, former security specialist and currently serves as the Security Manager for USAA in Phoenix. Sgt. Rob Brandt has been a sworn [...]
Predominantly recognized for their Presidential Protection mission, the US Secret Service has a much broader set or responsibilities than most persons realize. First established as a division of the Treasury Department to battle a surge in counterfeiting following the US Civil War, the Secret Service still maintains primary responsibility for counterfeiting and many other financial crimes. They also handle electronic crimes, national special security events and even play a role in the investigation of missing and exploited children. The agency [...]
The Distinguished Flying Cross is one of the highest medals that can be awarded for aerial combat. It is awarded for “Heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight.” Martin Lenzini was awarded FOUR DFC’s during a 13 month tour of duty as a Marine pilot in Vietnam. One of these close air support missions epitomized the word “close” when he dropped bombs with pinpoint accuracy within 80 yards of friendly forces. Did you know that actor Clark [...]
Toast to the Fallen Remote broadcast and "Toast to the Fallen" from Green Feet Brewing Company. Green Feet Brewing takes their name from the Combat Search and Rescue tradition adopted during the Vietnam War when they used CH-3 "Jolly Green Giant" helicopters. Guests: Charles Smith from Tucson Map and Flag discussing Memorial Day Flag protocols Green Feet Proprietor and 20+ Combat Search and Rescue Veteran Scott Peterson Underwriter Nova Home Loans discussed the often underused VA home loan program. [...]