Dale is the unofficial commander of the Veterans Radio crew. He is originally from New Jersey where he grew up on the Jersey Shore. His military experience includes basic training at Ft. Polk, Louisiana, Army Aviation Training at Ft. Wolters, Texas and Ft. Rucker, Alabama. Dale completed his tour in Vietnam as a CW2 pilot with the 195th Assault Helicopter Company from December 1968 to December 1969.

After completing his tour, he returned to The Army Aviation School at Fort Rucker, Alabama and completed his enlistment as an instructor pilot until his discharge in May of 1971.

Thanks to the GI Bill, Dale was able to complete his BA in Education and MA in Communication at The University of Michigan. He has worked in education and the insurance business since graduating in 1975.

Veterans Radio was a dream Dale had years ago and he’s very grateful to have the opportunity to make the dream come true.

Dale currently lives in Ann Arbor, MI with his wife Jane and feels fortunate to have his son and family, including a grandson, live nearby.

Contact Dale: dale@veteransradio.org

After Jim Fausone served his country, he went to law school on the G.I. Bill. He married his college sweetheart, Carol Ann, who was a lieutenant in the USAF and stationed at Fairchild AFB, Spokane, Washington. She continued in the service for 34 years and rose to the rank of Brigadier General.

Jim is admitted before the U.S Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, United States Supreme Court, Michigan Supreme Court, as well as various Federal District Courts. He is a member of the National Organization for Veteran Advocates (NOVA). A former service member, he is a graduate of the University of Michigan College of Engineering and an honors graduate of the Gonzaga University School of Law.

Jim Fausone is the lead on Veterans Radio podcasts.  He is a veterans disability lawyer and served in the late 1970s. He has been on air with Veterans Radio since 2014 and a supporter for over a decade. He has built Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC into one of the premier veteran disability firms in the country. He is an Accredited Attorney by the VA. He has worked closely with veteran service organizations and veteran-centric organizations. Jim is a frequent writer, blogger, and lecturer on veteran topics. He organizes the largest Veterans Benefits Summit in Michigan each fall with hundreds of veterans in attendance.

Kate Melcher began her career in a research and speechwriting position with the Supreme Court of the United States. She went on to serve in senior staff positions in the US Senate, as an AH-64D Apache Longbow pilot in the Army, and as an Army Legislative Liaison Officer for the US Army National Guard. Ms. Melcher is a seasoned military, non-profit, and private sector professional, with a passion for public service.

Since returning home to Michigan in 2017, she has lived her passion, serving as Executive Director of Fisher House Michigan. In this role, she and the FHM Board of Directors are responsible for raising funds and awareness to support Fisher Houses in Michigan.

Among her awards and accolades for her service, Governor Snyder named Kate the 2018 Veteran of the Year through the Governor’s Fitness Foundation.

Contact Kate: kate@fisherhousemichigan.org

General Fausone served her country for 34 years from 1977 – 2011. From 2003-2011 she served as the Assistant Adjutant General of Veterans Affairs, for the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, State of Michigan advocating for Veterans.

From 2001-2005, General Fausone served as the Assistant for Mobilization and Reserve Affairs working directly with the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, Force Health Protection and Readiness. Serving in this capacity, she assisted in developing and implementing programs, policy, and operations for Reserve Affairs.

General Fausone graduated from the University of Michigan School of Nursing in 1975 and in 1977 received her commission in the United States Air Force as a medical officer. She served on active duty in various nursing positions and in late 1981 transferred to the Michigan Air National Guard. In 1983 and 1995, she completed a Master of Science in Administration and a Master of Science in Nursing from Madonna University in Livonia, Michigan.

Carol Ann continues serving by “Taking Care of Our American Heroes and their Families” to obtain the benefits they deserve. She owns The Veteran Advocate, LLC and works with Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC.

Bob Gould was born and grew up in Northwest Detroit. He joined the army the July after graduating from Redford High School. He completed his basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky and was then sent to Fort Riley, Kansas for Advanced Infantry Training. Bob became proficient as a Forward Observer for an 81 MM mortar platoon. In July, 1962, Bob completed Basic Airborne Training and was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division. There he completed his two-year enlistment as a medic in the 326 Medical Battalion.

After service, Bob went on to have two sons and graduated with a Masters in Education degree from The University of Michigan. Currently, Bob lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan and is President of Small Business Benefits, plays recreational hockey, and loves old fashioned rock and roll.