Show Notes
In this episode of America’s Frontlines:
America’s Army has a new civilian leader. Colonel Denny and Matt examine President Trump’s appointment of Adam Telle as Acting Secretary of the Army following the departure of Dan Driscoll. They look at the leadership change at the Pentagon and the questions it raises for Army modernization, acquisition reform, combat readiness, and—most importantly—the soldiers who will be called upon to fight America’s future wars. They also examine an increasingly dangerous global security environment—from President Trump’s military and economic pressure on Iran and continuing threats to critical Middle East energy routes, to renewed Russian attacks on Ukraine and the emergence of a new generation of lower-cost, increasingly autonomous combat drones. Together, these developments illustrate how quickly warfare is changing—and how traditional military power, economic pressure, and emerging technology are converging on the modern battlefield. As always, Colonel Denny delivers another round of his trademark humor and one-liners to lighten the mood along the way. Our featured guest is Dan Wallrath, founder of Operation Finally Home. What began in 2005 when Dan, a Texas homebuilder, helped modify the home of a wounded Marine at no cost to the family has grown into a nationwide nonprofit serving veterans, first responders, and surviving spouses. Dan joins Colonel Denny to discuss the organization’s mission and how it provides mortgage-free homes, home modifications, and transitional housing to help deserving heroes gain greater independence and, most importantly, a safe place to call home. Of course, we continue our regular journey through military history, revisiting significant events that occurred around this date and remembering the courage, sacrifice, victories, and difficult lessons that helped shape the country we love and continue to serve. Retired Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer Roland Ashby returns with another installment of “Warrant Wisdom,” bringing more of his well-seasoned perspective and experience to help keep all of us a little sharper—and perhaps a little wiser. And we also hear from artist Pamela Alderman, who shares how she is using art to recognize, connect with, and honor America’s veterans. Pamela talks with Colonel Denny about her work with ArtPrize and how creativity and storytelling can provide another powerful way to ensure the experiences and sacrifices of our veterans are seen, heard, and remembered.
From new leadership for America’s Army and a rapidly changing global battlefield to providing homes for our heroes, remembering our military history, and honoring veterans through art, this episode reminds us that supporting those who serve takes many forms—and that their stories and sacrifices should never be forgotten.
More from America’s Frontlines
In this episode of America’s Frontlines: What does the successful return of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 mean for America’s future in space? Colonel Denny and Matt examine the mission, NASA’s growing partnership with private industry, and the remarkable technology that makes human spaceflight possible. They discuss why continued American leadership in space exploration matters—not only for scientific discovery, but also for technological innovation, national security, and the next generation of explorers. Colonel Denny and Matt also tackle a difficult question: What costs America more—the price of confronting Iran or the potentially catastrophic consequences of a nuclear attack? They examine the economic and military considerations surrounding that debate, along with the remarkable longevity of America's strategic bombers and nuclear submarines, allegations of North Korean operatives infiltrating American businesses, and China's ambitious efforts to expand its influence in Europe's automobile industry. Together, these stories highlight the increasingly complicated relationship between military strength, economic security, and emerging global threats. And, as always, Colonel Denny delivers another round of his trademark humor and one-liners to lighten the mood and bring a few smiles along the way. Our featured guest is Greg Kelley, CEO of Unknown Nations, a Christian missionary organization working to bring the Gospel to communities around the world with limited access to Christian resources. Greg joins Colonel Denny to share his personal background, explain the organization's unique approach to international outreach, and discuss its work among people of different religious traditions. Their conversation offers a look at the challenges, opportunities, and experiences involved in carrying out this mission across different cultures. Of course, we continue our regular journey through military history, revisiting significant events that occurred around this date. From pivotal battles and extraordinary acts of courage to decisions that changed the course of nations, these historical reminders help us better understand the sacrifices and lessons that shaped the world we live in today. Retired Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer Roland Ashby returns with another installment of “Warrant Wisdom,” bringing his years of military experience, practical insight, and unique perspective to another thought-provoking discussion. And it's time once again for our Movie of the Month! Diane Raver of the Garden State Film Festival joins Colonel Denny to discuss this month's featured film and share more about the festival, its celebration of independent filmmaking, and the stories and filmmakers it helps bring to audiences. From America's future in space and the difficult choices surrounding national security to international Christian outreach, military history, Warrant Wisdom, and the movies, this episode brings together another wide-ranging collection of stories, perspectives, and conversations that make America's Frontlines worth tuning in to.