A Broadcasting Career Ends as Producer Steve Reflects on Service, Faith, and American Virtue

On this Thursday, August 24, 2023 broadcast, Kim Monson dedicates the show to honoring Producer Steve Ebling on the occasion of his retirement. Paula Sarlls provides updates on the USMC Memorial Foundation, Karen Levine examines Colorado’s property tax challenges, and Paige Agostin from the Center for Renewing America exposes the games being played with government spending in Washington. Honoring Those Who Came Before Start listening at 00:39 – Hour 1 Kim Monson opens with a reading from the Medal of Honor quote book published by the Center for American Values. She shares the story of Robert E. Bush, who at age 18 became the youngest member of the United States Navy in World War II to receive the Medal of Honor. During combat on Okinawa in May 1945, Bush maintained life-saving blood plasma for a wounded officer while drawing his pistol to fight off a Japanese counterattack, suffering the loss of an eye in the process. The segment sets the tone for a show focused on service, sacrifice, and the transmission of values across generations. Kim emphasizes the importance of keeping such stories alive for future generations and recommends the Medal of Honor quote book for every family’s freedom library. USMC Memorial Foundation Celebrates Flag Relighting Start listening at 17:50 – Hour 1 Paula Sarlls, president of the USMC Memorial Foundation and Gold Star wife, announces the successful repair of the memorial’s electrical system after heavy rains damaged it in early summer. The flags had to come down on July 4th, a painful moment for the organization. A volunteer stepped forward to complete the repairs at reduced cost, and solar lights now ensure the flags will remain properly illuminated. Sarlls describes the upcoming Saturday ceremony at 6 PM to celebrate the 46th anniversary of the memorial’s 1977 dedication and the relighting of the flags. The event will feature the Higher Ground Men’s Chorus, a flag disposal ceremony conducted by the Young Marines, and remarks from Colonel Bodish of the Naval ROTC at CU. The foundation continues raising funds for a major remodel with a goal of approximately $50 million to complete all planned improvements including a visitor veterans center. “The memorial is dedicated to remembering those stories, because if you don’t remember them, you’re bound to repeat the bad history.” Paula Sarlls, President, USMC Memorial Foundation The Man Behind the Board Steps Forward Start listening at 33:16 – Hour 1 Steve Ebling, known to listeners as Producer Steve, takes his place on the guest side of the glass as he prepares for retirement. Growing up in Pennsylvania, Steve found his high school performance declining by senior year. When an industrial electrician apprenticeship fell through due to the 1975 economic downturn, he enlisted in the Air Force, a decision he calls the best of his life. Testing placed him in electronics, leading to tech school at Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi and a career in military data and voice networks. Two years in Germany at Ramstein Air Base and 15 months at NORAD in Colorado Springs shaped his early career. The political intensity of both assignments, with officers behind every tree, eventually pushed him toward civilian life. A friend’s business card led to 20 years at United Airlines working on the company’s data network and reservation system. When corporate reshuffling moved him progressively further from the airline, a job offer from his church’s broadcast ministry opened a new chapter. Twelve years of radio and television production there prepared him for Crawf...