Maj. Gen. James Lukeman / Author Marc Leepson

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