Military Matters

E15 Military Matters Podcast

Most Americans have never heard of the Civil Air Patrol…Yet they operate over 500 aircraft, support disaster relief nationwide, and can do missions for just $175/hour.
In this Episode of Military Matters Podcast, Hosts Ricky Harold sits down with Captain William “Sandy” Munns of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) to uncover one of America’s most overlooked organizations.
From disaster response and Search & Rescue to Aerospace Education and Cadet development, the Civil Air Patrol plays a critical role in supporting Communities across the Country. As the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, CAP delivers high-impact missions at a fraction of the cost of traditional Military operations.
One of the most eye-opening moments? The cost comparison:• C-130: $30,000/hour• F-16: $5,000/hour• CAP Aircraft: $175/hour
This Episode also highlights Operation Pulse Lift, a vital blood donation initiative addressing critical shortages in Nevada and beyond. Learn how you can get involved and make a real impact in your community.
Whether you're interested in aviation, emergency services, military support, or volunteer opportunities, this conversation sheds light on a force that’s quietly making a big difference.
Topics Covered:
What is the Civil Air Patrol?
Disaster response and emergency services
Search & rescue evolution with modern technology
Drone and aerial mapping capabilities
Blood donation crisis and Operation Pulse Lift
Volunteer opportunities and cadet programs
Get Involved / Learn More:Search “Reno Composite Squadron Civil Air Patrol” to find your local unit and upcoming opportunities.
Military Matters airs LIVE every Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. on 93.7 FM and is available on:YouTube and Podbean App.
 
Produced by Big Bongo ProductionsRecorded at Matterhorn Studio in Reno, Nevada | Sponsored by World Matters Inc. 

E14 Military Matters Podcast

Episode 14 – A Legacy of Service with Major Mike Masterpool
In this powerful Episode of Military Matters, hosts Ricky Harold sits down with Major Mike Masterpool, a generational Marine whose family’s service spans multiple wars and decades of dedication to the United States. From the 250th anniversary of the Marine Corps to firsthand accounts of World War II, Korea’s Chosin Reservoir, Vietnam, and beyond, Major Masterpool shares deeply personal stories of sacrifice, resilience, and leadership.
The conversation explores the legacy of battlefield commissions, the evolution of Marine aviation, the realities of combat logistics, and the enduring bond among service members. Major Masterpool also reflects on his father’s five-war service, the generational impact of Camp Lejeune water contamination, and the responsibility Veterans carry to preserve the ideals they fought for.
This Episode is a tribute to service, family, and the unbreakable spirit of the Marine Corps...and a reminder that freedom is carried forward by every generation.
Semper Fi.

E13 Military Matters Podcast

Join Ricky and Blake from Nevada Retirement Planners as they discuss the importance of investing and preparing for retirement. Lots of good information of how to put your money, limited or not, to work for you and your family. 

E12 Military Matters Podcast

Episode 12 has retired Major Ricky Harold going down the trail of the Monroe Doctrine. President Trump has leaned on this doctrine, (established in the 1800's) to thwart the Drug Cartels in the Western Hemisphere in the South American region. 

E11 Military Matters Podcast

Retired U.S. Army Major Ricky Harold sits with the G-Man and discusses the 2026 Military Budget and the Demon Pups Program. Casual conversation but you never know where it goes. Ten-Hut!

E10 Military Matters Podcast

Retired Major Ricky Harold interviews Jay Baker and Ken Schulz of Nevada Work for Warriors. The organization helps Veterans locate and secure employment after serving. You can find out more about the organization and its outstanding efforts at www.workforwarriorsnv.org

E9 Military Matters Podcast

Ricky Interviews Retired Vietnam combat veteran Michael Leonard who authored "An American Combat Bird Dog Pilot: From the Battlefield of Vietnam and Beyond." His writing is a compelling look at the life and times of a member of the Silent Generation. Mike Leonard’s story chronicles not only his breathtaking combat adventures, but the unforeseen perils that nearly sidetracked him during his time as an international sales executive. This spellbinding narrative paints a vivid portrait of a man, as the Chinese proverb clearly states, “living in interesting times.”Not many Vietnam veterans can lay claim to as many harrowing moments in combat. Leonard recounts flying a small, unarmed USAF spotter plane — called an O-1 Birddog — near ground level risking life and limb just feet above the jungle canopy. Leonard and his Birddog were the turkey in the proverbial turkey shoot. The recollection of the life and death struggle on Thanksgiving Day in 1969 with North Vietnamese forces hell bent on capturing or killing the crew of a downed chopper near the Cambodian border is about as hairy as it gets. Then the final straw — and the catalyst for the book — which took place more than 40 years later; Leonard made contact with one of the crewmembers from that chopper. Their bond is emblematic of the brotherhood of warriors that can only be formed among those that have actually lived it. That phone call and the incumbent flashbacks by itself, not counting his myriad additional exploits throughout the book, will force you to keep reading. Surviving combat instilled a chameleon-like sense of innovation in Leonard and a kind of ‘challenge accepted’ attitude you might expect from someone used to taking risks and operating on a wing and a prayer. Eloquently presented, the author’s story continues on in captivating fashion. Leaving his military career behind and venturing into the uncharted waters of civilian life came with the ultimate realization that this new life had its own set of risks and rewards. When you finish this book, you will smile and walk away with the realization that, like the author suggests, you’ve witnessed someone that’s lived a charmed life and indeed lived in “interesting times”. Rubbing elbows with people, visiting places, and doing things that most people will only imagine

E8 Military Matters Podcast

Retired Major Ricky Harold is joined by G-Man as he talks about exploits and happenings in the Indo Pacific region of the world.

E7 Military Matters Podcast

Retired Major Ricky Harold talks about Military Veterans with the G-Man

E6 Military Matters Podcast

Retired Major Ricky Harold is joined by Co-Host Retired Lieutenant Colonel Bill Conrad. They catch up on the Red Move Organization and the recent accomplishments of Bill.