The Original Band of Brothers, the Purple Heart
April 1, 2014
Hosted by Gary Ray
[Download MP3] [itunes] [Bookmark Episode]
Episode Description
Badge of Military Merit James Joseph Klug National Public Relations Officer MOPH / National Historian At 20 years of age, he was drafted after his second year in the California College system and ready to start his third year with a major in architecture and a minor in business. The year was 1967 and the Vietnam War was ramping-up. He was sent to Basic training at Ft. Ord, California and advanced infantry training at Ft. Polk, Louisiana. His MOS, 11C20, light mortars, prepared him for deployment to Vietnam. Once in country, he served as 11Bravo, Infantry, for 12 months as a gunner carrying the M-79 grenade launcher with the 1st Battalion 12th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division in II Core Central Highlands. Among the most intense battles he fought in was Hill 875 were he was wounded. He then went on and fought in the 1968 TET Offensive. Instead of returning home after one year, he extended his tour. He stayed for another 7 months as the Battalion Chaplains Assistant for the 1st Battalion 10th Infantry of the 4th. Infantry Division. His final rank after active duty and USAR was SSG. In 2007, he discovered the Military Order of the Purple Heart and became a life member. That same year, he was elected as Jr. Vice Commander of our local Chapter 147. He moved up the ladder of elected offices to Chapter Commander as well as Oregon Department Commander. He held these offices for several years even while being appointed as National Historian in 2010. He still holds that National Office as well as that of National Public Relations Officer MOPH.
American Heroes Network
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It has been said that we are only a generation away from forgetting our history. Disabled American Veterans struggle every day to overcome life-changing sacrifices. Their stories provides a vital part of history that has contributed to our American tradition.
American Heroes Network provides a way for individuals, corporations and small businesses to support our Heroes by helping our veterans and their families rebuild their lives. They help aim our veterans, looking for jobs, in the right direction, help provide homes for our troops, assisting individuals and their families who have been severely injured while serving in the U.S. military and providing scholarships for families of our Fallen Heroes.
This will be a weekly hour long show joined by our military heroes and people and organizations that make a difference.
Gary Ray
"Gary Ray's" background includes hosting / co-hosting radio talk shows for more than 15 years on a number of subjects. His background also includes more than 19 years in the Insurance industry, nine years as an Internet Marketer and consultant. Gary is co-founder and co-developer and involved in the implementation of the Worldwide Racing Network. For seven years he worked closely with NASCAR and Turner Sports Interactive with the NASCAR Touring series.
"Gary Ray" joined Armed Forces Radio Network in 2008 as the Public Relations Director and provided Marketing and radio interviews. In February 2011 he was promoted to President. In September 2012 he resigned his position to continue his passion on the next level.
Gary continues helping our veterans and their families rebuild their lives. He believes by working together, our military men and women who return home are heroes to their families and communities. His resources provide a lifeline of aid and support not only for our veterans but also the families of our fallen heroes.
"Gary Ray" is developing one of the most powerful Radio Networks in the country called "American Heroes Network" powered by VoiceAmerica. You will hear firsthand the personal accounts of heroes whose unselfish actions have contributed to the traditions and values that represent the soul of America.
