June 4, 2023
This week’s one hour radio broadcast begins as host Dale Throneberry welcomes Operation Song guests: Kristi Alderson and Jenn Franklin. Jim Fausone jumps in with an interview with Keith King, National Veteran Business Development Council founder and champion. The program wraps with a 2006 replay – an interview with Len Lomell, Distinguished Service Cross recipient, who details the mission and outcome of his 2nd Ranger Battalion’s D-Day mission on June 6, 1944.
Kate Smith closes with “God Bless America”, a classic performance that stirs the American patriot’s heart.
DDAY - Operation Song - NVBDC
I served in the US Navy from June 1994-July 1998 exactly 4 days after I graduated high school.
I was led to commit to the Navy because I wasn’t sure if college was a good fit for me and I had the benefits of going later and using the GI Bill that the military afforded me.
I worked as an AT3 on F/A 18s navigation, communication, and radar systems. O-level which means I worked directly on the aircraft repairing these systems! I was also the only black female AT in the entire squadron at VMFAT 101 located at MCAS El Toro.
Love ❤️and Light ✨,
Kristi Alderson
RISE – Written by Navy Veteran Kristi Alderson and Songwriter Jenn Franklin
Jenn Franklin has participated with Operation Song for many years. Follow Jenn on Facebook.
RISE – MP3 Audio Track
Lyrics to RISE
Eighteen years could not prepare you for this pain
For the darkness there behind his eyes
He will hold your hand and lead you all the way
To the gaslit chamber of a million lies
He’ll try to pick apart your confidence
He’ll convince you for awhile, for awhile
He will break your heart but keep your chin up girl
Soon you’ll be stepping out into a brave new world
You’re gonna pull through this
I promise when you do it’s
Gonna be amazing, such a beautiful thing
You’re gonna be alright
I know you’re tired of a long fight
But standing tall in your tomorrow I can say
That you’re strong enough to rise
Above my yesterday
Little angels placed into your loving arms
Even though you feel sometimes like a child
But when they look up at you with the moon and stars
You will reach down deep and somehow you’ll find the light
No the road ahead won’t be an easy one
But giving up is just not who you are
And they will fill your heart with so much love
Soon you’ll be watching them bloom
Into their power from your scars
You’re gonna pull through this
I promise when you do it’s
Gonna be amazing, such a beautiful thing
You’re gonna be alright
I know you’re tired of a long fight
But standing tall in your tomorrow I can say
That you’re strong enough to rise
Above my yesterday
When you least expect it
Love is gonna knock on your door
You don’t believe you’ll get it
But it’s everything you want
And so much more
You’re gonna pull through this
I promise when you do it’s
Gonna be amazing, such a beautiful thing
You’re gonna be alright
I know you’re tired of a long fight
But standing tall in your tomorrow I can say
That you’re strong enough to rise
Above my yesterday
You are strong enough
To rise
You are strong enough
To rise
You are strong enough, strong enough
To rise
National Veterans Business Development Council
From the FAQ page …
The NVBDC value proposition for the SD/VOB is to provide a certification that will be recognized and accepted by industry so that a SD/VOB may access diversity spend opportunities. The NVBDC provides certification that creates access to States, Federal Agencies, major corporations and Billion Dollar Roundtable members, to aid and incentivize the SD/VOB to pursue the certification. The NVBDC offers on going opportunities for the SD/VOBs to participate and meet with the NVBDC members and educational partners. The NVBDC continues to expand corporate membership, partnering with new major corporations on a continual basis.
Len Lomell, Distinguished Service Cross, Recounts D-Day June 6, 1944
This segment of our program was recorded in 2006.
D-Day, 6 June 1944, was the largest invasion in the history of the world. Pointe-Du-Hoc was a nearly 100-meter high cliff, with perpendicular sides jutting out into the English Channel. You won’t believe the story of this incredible example of American ingenuity as we learn how this small group of Rangers was finally able to accomplish their mission despite all the SNAFUs. Join us as we talk with Len Lomell, the last survivor of the assault on Pointe-Du-Hoc.
Len was a Toms River, NJ man. After the war he married and had 3 daughters while building a successful law practice. He passed away in 2011 at the age of 91. Here is a wonderful review of Leonard’s life, provided by NJ.com.
