All Episodes - Stand at Ease
Stand At Ease is a weekly podcast by Veterans and aimed at other Veterans, Active Duty Military Personnel, and the families and friends who are the foundation and support of these men and women. The hosts are Ssgt James L. Johnson, Sgt. Garland Green, an
View Podcast Details37 Episodes
Episode 38: Part 2 - The Real Diehl
The disconnected states seem to have a common characteristic of no sustainable economic opportunity much less comparative advantage where information is no longer cables, and the insecurity with more info, TSA, readiness fatigue, TSA challenge while the disconnected states seem to have a common characteristic of no sustainable economic opportunity much less comparative advantage. How to expand economic advantage is outlined on this series by Russ Diehl’s work with USAID and many other dimensions of national power besides military.
Episode 37: Part one - The Real Diehl
The disconnected states seem to have a common characteristic of no sustainable economic opportunity much less comparative advantage where information is no longer cables, and the insecurity with more info, TSA, readiness fatigue, TSA challenge while the disconnected states seem to have a common characteristic of no sustainable economic opportunity much less comparative advantage. How to expand economic advantage is outlined on this series by Russ Diehl’s work with USAID and many other dimensions of national power besides military.
Episode 36: Stands of Valor
Nimitz stated about the Marines and sailors who fought on Iwo Jima that uncommon valor was a common virtue. The men who fought there did it because it was their job – hot for glory and valor. The warriors who earned awards, regardless of where they earned them, deserve to be respected and honored for their sacrifice. Thomas Richards earned his Navy Cross in Vietnam while with the 9th Marines – the same unit our co-host Jim was with when he earned his. Listen as we discuss the impact of stolen valor.
Epiode 35: Casting Upon the Waters
Chris Bowers and Matt Lewisson had a chance meeting on the banks of a river in Virginia while they were fishing for catfish. After a short conversation, they found out they were both Marine veterans and wounded warriors who shared a passion for fishing – which has evolved into a similar passion for golf and the start of a friendship that happens amongst brothers in arms. Chris and Matt joined us for this show to discuss the Salute Military Golf Association (http://www.smga.org/) and the lures that Matt makes for fishing. Enjoy the show!
Episode 34: Muscle Reflexes
William “Billy” Myers joined the Marines at 17, right after he graduated high school. He served in the years right before Vietnam became known in most of the households around the United States. After he got out, he went to college, then on to teach high school (as well as coaching football and baseball). He also wrote two books: Honor the Warrior and Marines, Medals, and Vietnam. In this episode, we chat about his latest book as well as get the correct pronunciation of “Lejuene.” To order his books (and he’ll inscribe a message of your choice), you can get them from him ($25.00 +$3.00 shipping and handling: William L. Myers 4715 Woodlawn Road
Episode 33: Stepping Up
According to the Veteran’s Administration, there are currently 33 documented suicides of veterans happening every month. Too many of these young men and women have slipped through the cracks, either because of the bureaucracy or because they’ve nutted it up and drove on – just like we are trained to do. Rich Rossi has come back to the show to discuss this issue and more, as well as helping us to understand one of the ways he’s doing something about it by getting the Daniel Center Listen in and step up!
Episode 32: Maximizing Graffiti
We rejoin the Graffiti of War Project, a collaboration of veterans, service-members, military family members and civilians whose focus is on raising awareness for those suffering from the invisible wounds of war, primarily post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and on developing and providing alternative solutions for the healing of those afflicted. Like war itself, there are lives that are touched forever, and lives that have to pay a price. In this episode we learn how The Graffiti of War Project has grown to a feature in Maxim Magazine and how their commitment to serving others may mean the cost of a relationship.
Episode 31: The Leaders of Men
There is a pantheon of men and women who have shaped the Marine Corps. Men like Chesty Puller, Al Grey, and Dan Daly – men of iron will and outstandig courageous forged in the furnace of battle. But, who were the men that shaped them into the Marines they were? In this show, Dr. Anne Cipriano Venzon, the daughter and mother-in-law of Marines and a renowned military historian, joins us to give us to discuss her book Leaders of Men: Ten Marines Who Changed the Corps, her list of the ten Marines who shaped the Corps into the force it is now.
Episode 30: The Privilege of Leading
Officers in the military are often the butt of jokes – especially those who don’t look upon their role as one of privilege as well as responsibility. This privilege to lead comes from the men and women they lead, who according to our guest, retired Colonel James Sims, can decide at a crucial moment that they just ain’ gonna follow this jack wagon. Colonel Sims was the type of officer, however, who knew this and felt held that trust deep in his heart. In the first of a series of interviews, James discusses his time in the Marines, starting as a reservist in the Platoon Leaders Course to his retirement close to 30 years later. Stand at ease and give it a listen!
Episode 28: In the House
Mike Farrell—actor, activist, and Marine – an all around amazing individual joins us in this episode. After spending just shy of two years in the Corps, Mike went through a lot of the same experiences as many young veterans. As he tried to find his way in life that lead to his role as B. J. Hunnicut on M*A*S*H and being the voice for so many people who are often not heard he learned that sometimes, you just need to stop and ask for help.
Episode 27: It’s been a long Hue home
Eddie Neas joined the Marines on his 17th birthday in 1966 and was in Vietnam shortly after his 18th birthday. A few months after he arrived, he was meritoriously promoted to Corporal for his leadership in the battle of Hue. Years later, he enlisted in the Marine Reserves, retiring as a Sergeant Major in 2000. Since that time, he has been active with his chapter of the Marine Corps League, the L/CPL Robert J Slattery Detachment #206 MCL, named for a Marine he was in boot camp with and fell in combat in Vietnam in 1967. With other Marines from his detachment, he makes monthly trips to Walter Reed to visit the young wounded warriors.
Episode 26 – Bands of Orange
Every war has legacies. Some we talk about – others we try to bury. One legacy of the Vietnam war is the chemicals that were left behind – Agents Orange and White among them. Named for the band colors on the barrels that contained these herbicides, they were sprayed by the ton over the Republic of Vietnam, and to this day, the chemicals are effecting the citizens there as well as our warriors who were in-country when they were used. One of those warriors, Doc Bernie Duff, is doing his best to bring awareness of this problem to awareness. Doc has been helping people since he joined the Army and later as a veteran, and now as an artist/activist.
Episode 25: Getting Back Up
It’s estimated that there are 67,000 service members and veterans in the United States who are living with spinal injuries. In the United States, the number is upwards of 1.2 million people, and worldwide the number is just staggering. What was once seen as a life-changing event is now, with the proper medical care, more of a lifestyle change. Jim “Jimmy” McCormack, a walking quadriplegic and director of Operation Regeneration, joins us today to discuss some of the changes that have occurred in just the past decade. If you are or know someone (veteran, service member, or civilian), who needs help from with a spinal injury, contact their organization at http://operationregeneration.org or toll free at 1-855-OPREGEN (855-677-3436). We dedicated this show to Sgt. Charles Engelken, a Zagreb warrior and a brother in arms. Forever young. 1963-2011
Episode 24: Still in the Fight
Within each of us there lies a talent, a creative spark, that when unleashed can make a difference. Marine Lt. Col. Mike Corrado has just such a spark, and over the past 20 years, he’s unleashed a musical can of whoop ass on all sorts of topics ranging from the responsibility and honor of standing the watch to protect our great nation to recovering from the physical, spiritual, and psychological wounds warriors suffer. Mike speaks to us about the power and impact of music, along with his work with the Wounded Warriors Regiment and “Still in the Fight”, and organization he co-founded with two other Marines.
Episode 23: So ya wanna be in pictures?
Hollywood (and all of the other movie centers in the world) has a nut for military stories. From movies such as All Quiet on the Western Front and Hell’s Angels to the new crop like The Green Zone and The Hurt Locker, we often see interpretations of what the men and women in the military go through when they are down-range. There are also movies like First Blood and Coming Home that show what may occur when these individuals return. But, how do these interpretations hold up to reality? In this podcast, we explore that and more with Sharon Cobb, ex-wife of Randal “Tex” Cobb who played Sailor in the movie Uncommon Valor. Take a listen and hear about Gar getting Tex drunk in Zagreb.
Episode 22: Draw your own conclusions
“Out of my 21 years in the Marines, I only “worked” for one year. The rest of the time, I followed my passion.” Gunnery Sergeant (ret.) Charles Wolff, “Gunny Wolf” to his fans, of SemperToons joins us in a free-wheeling conversation to discuss of the funny side of the Marines and the Military.
Episode 21: The Courage to Serve
Agree with it or not, but this past week saw the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. This law effectively caused an estimated 10% of our troops to live a double life, one where they need to hide a major aspect of what identifies them as a man or woman – they’re sexuality. Since before the law was enacted, Denny Meyer was fighting for equal rights for all service members. Denny is the national spokesman for American Veterans for Equal Rights (AVER) and joins us in this podcast.
Episode 20: 9/11 Ten Years Later
Where were you on 9/11? Jim was at a BMW dealership, Gar was in Morocco, David was on his way to work, and our guest Richard Rozzi, a Vietnam era Navy vet, was in divorce court. We all have our memories of that morning that in its way was the impetus for Stand At Ease. In this special podcast, we look at what happened that day and where it is leading our nation and the world.
Episode 19: Networks
Networking isn’t just one of those buzz words that gets tossed around in the business world – it’s something that benefits veterans as they leave the service. In this podcast, Afghani vet Lisa Ghylin of the Metropolitan State Veterans Network joins us to discuss how student veterans at a Minnesota college came together to help each other get the most out of their student experience as well as give support to their brothers and sisters in arms.
Episode 18: Did you really wanna ask?
It’s amazing the trips our conversations take when we’re having them, and this show is one that went places we never expected – and we’re extremely happy that they did. We welcome Andrea Sandoval of the Graffiti of War project for a show that goes places we didn’t ask but aren’t afraid to tell. Andrea also has the honor of being our first female veteran – she was a Sergeant First Class in the Army after a 13 year hitch. A very powerful show if we say so ourselves.
Episode 17: Reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee-PORT!
It’s been a year – 16 shows completed and 23,000 plus visitors to the website. Today, we take a look back at the shows we’ve done and discuss the highlights of the year. We also chatted about some of our plans for the next year – and we have some interesting ones at that! The guys at Stand at Ease are also extending an invitation to our listeners to become more active in our group. Submit topics and ideas of how we can improve and how we can more people. Also, if you’d like to become a participant, let us know. We want to grow! And thank you for a great year one!
Episode 16: Supporting Our Troops
A constant question the Stand At Ease group asks is what does “Support the Troops” mean? Is it that faded yellow made in China magnet you paid $1.99 at Wal Mart that makes you feel good about yourself, or is it something more? In today’s discussion, Sita Helms, found member and executive director of Helping Hands Worldwide (http://thehelpinghandworldwide.org) shows us what it means to do just that and more. Our one hour discussion barely scratches the surface of what she does – and she is very humble about all she does. And for what she does – its surprising she isn’t a Marine. Ooorah! (Edit this out if you want) NOPE, keeping it big D! Download from iTunes
Episode 15: Generations
It often happens where sons emulate their fathers – and this show is an example of this. We welcome John “JJ” and Anthony “Rocco” De Primo, two men who are father and son as well as Brother Marines. JJ served 13 years in the Corps starting in 1981, and Rocco is finishing a five year enlistment which began in 2006. We discuss the journeys which lead them both to the Corps and what it means to be a Marine family. Download from iTunes
Episode 14: Prison Blues
In this installment, we welcome Ray McCarty III, a former Army MP who served two tours of duty in Iraq. His first tour was as a guard at a temporary prison near Baquba, Iraq, and his second was with a security attachment based in Kirkut. Ray is currently a physical therapy student in Florida hoping to work with veterans when he’s done. We discuss what it was like to be an MP, the differences in his mission, and the joys and difficulties he’s faced in the transition from soldier to student. Download from iTunes
Episode 13: Kilroy Was Here
From every war and every conflict comes the need for cathartic expression – and from many warriors this takes the form of unconventional art – graffiti, body art, messages scribbled in marker on the shit house wall. In this week’s episode, the founders of Graffiti of War (http://www.graffitiofwar.com) join us to discuss their project and where they hope it’ll go in the future – including an upcoming trip this summer to Kuwait, Iraq, and possibly, Afghanistan. Download from iTunes
Episode 12: The 50 Foot Perimeter
Today we speak with Dr. Gillford Doxcee, professor emeritus of history from Ohio University. He is also a World War II veteran who was captured by the Germans during the Battle of the Bulge in 1944. He spent the remainder of the war in various POW camps, most notably at Slaughter-House Five, made famous by Kurt Vonnegut. As a history professor, he concentrated his studies in the Middles East. We discuss both his experiences as a POW and then about the current events occurring in throughout the Middle East. Download from iTunes
Episode 11 - It’s the Family Business
In this show, we have a discussion with Cindy McNamara, the wife and mother of a group of Army Aviators. She discusses the joys and difficulties of being married into the Army for almost 40 years – both on active and reserve duty status. Currently, Cindy’s husband and two of her three children are flying Apache helicopters in Iraq. Cindy brings a unique voice to the show – and we hope to hear more from her in the future. Download from iTunes
Episode 10 - The DI Guys
Today we welcome Jack TF Pike to the show. Jack is a Marine Grunt and Army Helicopter pilot veteran with 37 years of service to our country who now works with families of deployed soldiers. We discuss everything from his service in Viet Nam, time on the drill field, changing over to the Army side, and his current mission. One of the show highlights is his recount of celebrating the Marine Corps Birthday while serving in Bosnia as an Army Warrant Officer. Download from iTunes
Episode 9 – Gus Mcoy
We welcome Jack “Chewy” Mandaville, creator and author of the blog gusmcoy.com, where he writes about his experiences in the Marines. We discuss Jack’s time in the Marines, his transition back into civilian life, and the creation of his blog. Jack gives us a good insight into the life of a warrior who spent time in the Global War on Terrorism. Download from iTunes
Episode 8: I Want To Be An Airborne Ranger
We welcome Ted Harding back to the show. Ted was a guest back in May 2010 right before he left for Fort Benning for Army boot camp. He has now graduated and is a Spc 4 11C (Specialist 4/E-4 Mortar Man) with the 82nd Airborne at Fort Bragg, NC. We ask him about recruit training, jump school, and what its like to be out in the Regular Army. Some explicit language—as always. Hey—when you’re chatting with Marines, ya just gotta accept it! Download from iTunes
Episode 7: The Warriors' Brunch
In today’s episode, we welcome Peter Hartmayer, a Marine who served with Jim at Second Division Schools at Camp LeJeune. We discuss Veterans’ health issues, including cancer and PTSD treatments available through the VA. Another topic that came up is the importance of getting a Veterans Service Officer through organizations like the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), or the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). Download from iTunes
Episode 6 - The Purple Heart
The Purple Heart – Jim discusses his trip to The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor. Jim met General Petraeus at the event, and speaks of the honor it was to meet him. We also discuss what it means for the war in Afghanistan now that General Petraeus is back in charge. Finally, if you have a family member who has received a Purple Heart, we’d like to invite you to get him or her listed on the register at The National Purpler Heart Hall of Honor: http://www.thepurpleheart.com . Download from iTunes
Episode 5 - War Stories
War Stories – Jim, Gar, and David discuss some of their “favorite” activities and experiences during boot camp and other parts of their tours while in the Marines. We also find out just how ‘fuzzy’ Jim’s memory is about certain events in our lives…(selective memory perhaps?) Lots of laughs on this show, and some very good solid take away points as well. (Explicit Language) Download from iTunes
Episode 4 – Shipping Out
In this week’s podcast, Ted Harden discusses his decisions about enlisting in the Army. Ted’s leaving on Monday, May 17th for Fort Benning to start his journey in the military. Jim, Gar, and David give Ted some sound advice. We also have invited Ted back when he’s done with boot camp and again in one year (and as often as we can get him!) to keep us up to date on his experiences. God speed, Ted, and keep yourself safe! Download from iTunes
Episode 3 - Bringing it Home
On this week’s show, we welcome a new contributor, Jeff Glessing (Ssgt, USMC, ‘95-‘07). Jeff did a few WestPacs with an LSB (Landing Support Battalion – the Red Patchers), then did two tours as on embassy duty. Our theme for this show is ‘Coming Home,’ exploring some of the challenges service members go through when they leave the military and transition back to the civilian world. Through this conversation we touch on our frustrations with leaders who get in the way of success because they don’t understand the basic Five Paragraph Order and how to get out of the way of accomplishing the mission. Download from iTunes
Episode 2 - Everyone Has a Reason
In episode 2, we explore the reasons why the hosts served our country. David and Jim discuss the similarities between how they enlisted, and David and Gar find out that one of the big reasons they joined the Marines was because the Army recruiters never called back. We also discuss the transitions coming back from Viet Nam to the civilian world and the challenges he faced in 1970. At the end of the show, Jim also shows his support of the people who support our troops. Download from iTunes
Episode 1 - Getting to Know Me
In the first episode of “Stand At Ease,” Jim, Gar, and David introduce themselves and how they came to know each other, discuss the mission of the show, and where their responsibilities lie. Keeping on track with that idea, they explore the different spheres of responsibility the active duty service member and veteran are beholden to and how our training helps us face them – as well as what happens when we forget what we’re trained to do. Download from iTunes Also introduced in this show are a few of the many services available to Veterans and their families, topics which will be expanded upon in future shows. Finally, there is an open invitation to others to participate in future “Stand At Ease” podcasts.