[October 5, 2020] This past sunny Saturday afternoon, I drove to a small radio station about 30 minutes from my home. Radio talk-show host Joe Griffies invited me to discuss veterans, current events, and to honor some of our heroes. Joe has a show called Welcome Home Veterans (see his Facebook page here).1 His life is dedicated to helping our vets. We need more people like Joe.
Today’s leadership article is not about Joe; he wouldn’t have it any other way. Joe is all about the veteran. He sees our vets not getting treated fairly or honorably, and he is highly motivated to do something about it. For example, he had a call from a Richard, a vet who lives in Delaware, who is at odds with his HOA over a backyard American flag display. The Army veteran is being fined $50 per day. Joe Griffies tells Richard that U.S. federal law prohibits HOAs from this type of action.2 The homeowner is going to win this fight. This controversy is what motivates Joe.
In the studio was a wonderful woman named Elsie Stevens. Elsie had been helping her neighbor, Alex Horanzy, who recently passed away at 98 years of age. Mr. Horanzy was a survivor of Pearl Harbor. She relays the story of U.S. Army private Horanzy on the early morning hours of December 7, 1941, when Japanese aircraft attacked Pearl Harbor. After being woken by the bombing, Private Horanzy and his buddies ran to their antiaircraft guns, some being killed along the way. He operated the gun until the attack was over. Shortly after that, he was sent to fight the Japanese throughout the war.
Also in the radio studio was Bill Davenport. Bill regularly helps Joe Griffies on his radio program. Both Bill and Joe are disabled Vietnam veterans. They have the kind of relationship rarely witnessed today. They make a great team, inseparable, committed, and energized by helping veterans. Bill sat next to me and gave told some funny stories about Joe and the radio station. I got to meet the station manager, Jonnie, who seemed to be operating all the controls and getting people on the telephone for Joe to interview.
We had the privilege to hear from Vince Kane, director of the Delaware VA, to update how the Veterans Administration is expanding coverage for our vets. Vince helps set the tone for veteran medical care in this VA region. He is the dedicated professional you want to work with you. Vince had several insights on opening a new clinic in southern New Jersey and expecting faster and even better medical care soon.
I was happy to hear the voice of Ruth Ann Bosworth, president of the South Jersey Quilts of Valor program. She told of the origins of giving quilts to veterans to honor them and for comfort. During the U.S. Civil War, soldiers would be given a hand-made blanket to travel off to war. The blanket had the smells of their home’s kitchen on it and thus providing a calming influence. The Quilts of Valor is a wonderful organization. I recommend anyone who wants to help vets to read more about those who hand-make the quilts and consider a generous donation.
Joe Griffies, thank you for what you are doing to help our veterans. If I ever need a bulldog to help me out, I know who to call.
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- The “Welcome Home Veterans” radio show is on WIBG 1020 AM and WIBG 101.3 FM each Saturday from 2 to 4 pm.
- Public Law No: 109-243: Freedom to Display the American Flag Act of 2005 – States that a condominium association, cooperative association, or residential real estate management association may not adopt or enforce any policy or enter into any agreement, that would restrict or prevent an association member from displaying the U.S. flag on residential property within the association with respect to which such member has a separate ownership interest or a right to exclusive possession or use. https://www.congress.gov/bill/109th-congress/house-bill/42
Gen. Satterfield, I listened to this past Saturday’s broadcast by Joe Griffies. What a great guy. This is REAL leadership in action. I’m now a weekly fan of his show. Just wanted to let you know. I’m a long time reader of https://www.theleadermaker.com and a big fan of those you chose to highlight. Thank you!
Good man, this Joe Griffies!
Ha Ha….. “Bulldog” Joe Griffies. I’m sure others who are on the receiving end of his wrath (those disrespecting our vets) will see this as a negative nickname. I would not want to be one of the HOA leaders who are harassing Mr. Richard. Keep the pressure on Joe!!
Those who purposefully harm our veterans, like so many did to our Vietnam Vets, must be held accountable and publically (and figuratively) flogged. Hold them accountable for their irresponsible actions. When others see them being flogged, maybe just maybe they will think twice before doing such terrible things to our vets.
Gen. Satterfield, you sure do some interesting things in your life. I wish I was as active. Keep up the great works.
Wow, thanks Gen. Satterfield. I am always looking for more signs that our military vets are doing well and continue to be leaders in our communities. This radio show I was able to find on the Internet and found some of the past shows as well. I listened to them and found them very entertaining. I especially like the 1960s music!
Yes, the 60s music takes me back to my teenage years.
Music to my ears.
👍👍👍👍
Thank you, thank you, Gen. Satterfield for more evidence that our vets continue to do us a great service.
Hi folks, early in the morning for me but I wanted to take a moment and say thank you to the many men and women, like Joe Griffies on this radio show, who are doing yoeman’s work helping our military veterans. There are very few who are like these folks and I applaud them for what they do every single day. Jake T. was right when he said they don’t do it for ‘fame or glory’ but they do it because they know in their hearts that it is the right thing to do. They see, like us, the riots, looting, arson, murder, etc. that is egged on by many leftist/socialist politiains today and have themselves decided to act responsibly.
Yes, Willie, and I’m afraid too many of our nation’s leaders have not acted responsibility. Let’s hope that men like Joe Griffies and his partners do enough good to outweigh the idiots in the streets making a mockery of our country.
Another excellent article. I’m glad you found this radio show.
Very good article on this “Welcome Home Veterans” radio show. These men must be great vets. Joe and Bill, both Vietnam Vets (as I understand) are truly some of our American heroes that are still out there fighting for our America. And, they are doing it not for fame or glory but for the satisfaction that what they do is “good”.
Very true Jake and thank you for pointing out that there are men and women who are on the front lines everyday making a difference. We are witness to it on this radio program and in all forms.
Interesting fellow, this Joe Griffies. Thanks for giving us a view of his show.
Yes, and it is good to know that there are good folks out there helping our vets! 😊
Good point, Doug and I also recommend going to the Facebook page to get a few details about what this radio program is all about. Looks very interesting. I’ll be listening in this coming Saturday. I live in Delaware and should be able to pick up the signal.
Good luck. Let me know if you find an Internet version.
There are so many good veterans out there, that it is impossible to thank each one individually but I will send my thanks to men like Joe G. and his pals like Bill who are great men of tremendous moral stature.