January 6th political-prisoner returns to L.A. rallies; Shares experience that mainstream media intentionally misrepresents

Manny Melo and Ed Badalian, who demonstrated at the US Capitol Bldg on
January 6th, 2021, reunited at a Beverly Hills Freedom Rally group march
around Westwood, Los Angeles on October 19, 2024. Mr. Badalian served
50 weeks in federal detention for entering the Capitol Building 
 

Our interview with a pair of participants at the January 6th, '21 D.C. Trump Rally sheds light on their perspectives and experiences, particularly focusing on claims of government overreach and the narrative surrounding the events of that day.

Voices from the Rally

Two weeks before the November 2024 election, members of the Beverly Hills Freedom Rally group, like Manny Mello (pictured here) reunited with group member, Ed Badalian, who then was recently  released from 50 weeks in federal incarceration.

Mr. Melo emphasizes his activism rooted in a desire to promote an "America First" message. He noted that, despite marching in a liberal area like Westwood, California, he and his fellow conservatives receive support from those who are often afraid to speak out. This sentiment reflects a broader struggle among conservatives in traditionally liberal regions, where expressing their views can lead to backlash. 

Edward Badalian shared his journey into activism, which began in 2018. He described how the COVID-19 pandemic led him to engage in rallies such as the Beverly Hills Freedom Rally. Badalian's narrative took a darker turn when he recounted being raided by the FBI on April 1, 2021, following his participation in the January 6th events. He claimed that he was treated harshly during this encounter, which he described as a form of punishment for his political beliefs. 

Government Overreach Allegations 

Both men expressed strong feelings about their treatment by law enforcement and the judicial system. Badalian detailed his experiences in various prisons, emphasizing what he described as abusive conditions and unjust treatment of January 6th participants. He argued that the charges brought against him were politically motivated and lacked substantial evidence. He also highlighted his belief that no one has been charged with insurrection because there was no legitimate basis for such claims. According to him, many participants were merely there to hear President Trump speak and did not intend to engage in violence or insurrection. 

Claims of Agitation by Outside Forces 

A significant part of their narrative revolves around the assertion that outside agitators, particularly Antifa members, infiltrated the rally to instigate violence. Badalian recounted an incident where he attempted to stop individuals from breaking windows, suggesting that these actions were not representative of the rally-goers' intentions. He claimed that many attendees were unarmed and were there peacefully, contrasting their behavior with those he identified as provocateurs.

 

Badalian's assertion that some individuals at the rally were paid agitators adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing debate about January 6th. He pointed to a specific incident where an individual admitted to being part of an organized effort to disrupt the event.

 

Manny Melo, Shiva Bagher of Bev Hills Freedom Rally and Ed

Conclusion

The interview reflects a deep-seated frustration among participants regarding how they perceive their actions have been mischaracterized by media narratives and government responses. They argue for recognition of their intentions as peaceful protesters rather than insurrectionists, while also calling attention to what they see as a pattern of government overreach and manipulation by outside forces during politically charged events. As discussions about January 6th continue, these voices underscore the ongoing divide in American political discourse and highlight concerns about civil liberties among conservative activists.

BLM-leader teamed BlackXmas from anti-capitalism up with anti-Israelism in run-up to V.P. candidacy

Marxists ally with Islamist crusaders crucifying the persecutors of "Black Palestinian" Jesus

The "Black Xmas" rally in Los Angeles, strategically timed for December 23, 2023 (within a year of the November 2024 U.S. national elections) evinced a potent blend of Marxist and Islamist agendas, with a particular emphasis on exploiting anti-Israel, "Shut It Down for Palestine" (SID4P) sentiment. At the helm was Dr. Melina Abdullah, co-founder of Black Lives Matter Los Angeles (BLM-LA). Her success helped position her for selection to be Cornel West's vice-presidential running-mate. Her ideology and rhetoric were central to this event.

The Marxist influences behind the rally were evident, with support from international figures like Neville Roy Singham (CodePink),
George Soros through his Open Society Foundations, and organizations like the ANSWER Coalition. Islamist groups such as Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) and al-Awda were also pivotal in the "Shut It Down for Palestine" (SID4P) movement, demonstrating a strategic alliance aimed at destabilizing public order and influencing electoral sentiment.

"From Black Xmas to electoral manipulation: 2023's Los Angeles rally was a calculated move to exploit old hatreds for new political ends."

CodePink and Jewish Voice for Peace Action were
among the funded, Marxist disruptor organizers 

Estee Chandler leader of the "barely Jewish"- Jewish Voice for Peace (J.V.P.) played an insulating role in this anti-Judeo-Christian convergence. She stated, "We must oppose the claims of victimhood by oppressors...we say 'Never again' includes everyone!" Her rhetoric aimed to provide a veneer of moral justification for the anti-Israel sentiment by claiming, "In fact, nothing is more Jewish than the call for a ceasefire to save every single life possible." However, her statements were overshadowed by Abdullah's more direct and politically charged rhetoric, which focused on disrupting "white supremacist capitalism" and equating it with the plight of Palestinians.

Pastor Tabitha Jones Jolivet contributed a theo-political manipulation, framing the Palestinian struggle within a narrative of oppression akin to historical black liberation movements. She declared to the crowd: "I come in the name of an Afro-Palestinian Jew named Jesus! Who entered into this world under the threat of genocide. Who came to turn upside down the empires. Do you know that the empire of Rome lynched this Jesus?" Her rhetoric was designed to merge religious solidarity with political activism, further complicating the discourse by suggesting that opposition to Israel is inherently just.

Dr. Melina Abdullah, with her roots in Marxist activism, led the rally with a clear message, "We know these corporations, white supremacist capitalism, is behind both the murder of black people here and the genocide of Palestinians there," effectively merging economic critique with an anti-Israel narrative. This was not only a continuation of BLM-LA's tradition of disrupting consumerism but also a strategic pivot towards international politics, especially canny, as months later, she would run with Cornel West as co-candidates for the White House.

Rida Hamida of Latino-Muslim Unity 
with Melina Abdullah of B.L.M.

Ms. Rida Hamida from Latino-Muslim Unity added to the narrative, using her platform to call for political upheaval alongside economic critique. Her previous actions, including protests at Disneyland, underscored a consistent effort to link economic protests with geopolitical agendas, accusing Israel of genocide while downplaying Hamas's role.

In the absence of leadership from pro-Israel or pro-patriot organizations, around 50
Zionistic and/or patriotic Jews and Christians gathered in opposition to the 300 protesters

Anti-Zionists march to impede traffic and shopping at Beverly Center Mall on the shopping day before Christmas Eve: Beverly Hills Councilman John Mirisch contextualized these protests, stating, "This was the first organized pro-Hamas rally that we've had in Beverly Hills." He acknowledged BLM's sponsorship but emphasized the rally's anti-Israel stance, "BLM sponsored it, yes, but nonetheless, it was regarded as an anti-Israel, pro-Hamas rally." Mirisch also commented on the rally's one-sided narrative, highlighting how it misleads those uninformed about the conflict.

By prioritizing the anti-Israel narrative over economic critique, these protests not only risked alienating supporters but also contributed to the normalization of anti-Semitic rhetoric under the guise of social justice. The proximity to elections suggests a strategic move to manipulate voter sentiment through chaos and division, a tactic historically used by Marxist movements to sway political outcomes.

The implications of these protests extend beyond immediate disruptions, signaling a worrying trend where domestic and international political agendas are intertwined to exploit societal divisions. This could set a dangerous precedent for how activism is used in electoral politics, potentially leading to more instances where racial and religious tensions are strategically inflamed for political gain.

The 2023 "Black Xmas" rally in Los Angeles was a clear example of how Marxist and Islamist ideologies can converge to exploit anti-Semitism and anti-Israel sentiment for political gain, especially in proximity to national elections. With Dr. Melina Abdullah at the forefront, the rally was less about critiquing capitalism and more about sowing division. Her later political candidacy with Cornel West as an independent further underscores the strategic nature of these protests. This manipulation of public sentiment and historical prejudices poses a significant challenge to democratic processes and the fight against genuine oppression.

Officials continue to disregard Islamic religious motivations in hostility or violence towards Judeo-Christians

UCLA Police Chief John Thomas departed employ today facing significant scrutiny regarding his handling in May of an Islamo-Marxist, anti-Israel encampment protest on campus. The liberal university administrators had turned down his advice not to permit the encampment because it violated campus rules against overnight camping and could lead to potential violence. The administration decided to allow it as an expression of students' First Amendment rights, instructing that police should not be included in any security plan. 

 

When the Islamo-Marxists, who had gotten away with pushing around Jewish faculty and students, finally encountered push-back from area Jewish students - it blew back in the administrators' faces and they scapegoated Chief Thomas. 

Were the protesters merely anti-Israel or were they anti-Jewish? Zionism, i.e., residing in the land of Israel to practice Judaism, is a principle of Judaism. If the administrators allowed Muslims’ protest which criticized a tenet of Judaism to not be Islamophobic… how about the administrators offending the Jews by NOT challenging the Muslims’ innate anti-Jewish motives - which similarly are a part of Islam? 

A first-year memorial vigil was held a few weeks ago at the site of the Islamic Society of Simi Valley, California's anti-Israel protest in Thousand Oaks. In November '23 Jewish counter-demonstrator, Paul Kessler, 69, was struck by Jordanian-American, Loay Alnaji, and died. 

Mr. Paul Kessler (pictured left) a Jewish-Californian demonstrated support for Israel against a hostile, MidEast Muslim immigrant protest in Nov. '23. It's alleged that enraged fundamentalist Jordanian immigrant, Mr. Loay Alnaji (pictured right) bashed his megaphone into Kessler's face, knocking him down and killing him. Ventura County D.A. chose not to charge religious bigotry in Alnaji's motive, which limited sentencing to four-years maximum. (Photo credit: @NewsVCNews)

Palestinian Muslim-born, Ayman Abu Subohh converted to Judaism, adopting the name Dor Shachar. At the vigil, he explains the religious indoctrination religious Muslims are taught, particularly in Jordan, Palestinian Territories, Egypt, Pakistan, and Iran: To subordinate and persecute - non-Muslims anywhere, particularly in a previously Muslim-ruled territory, such as Spain or Israel, which they are mandated to reconquer for Allah.

Through an English interpreter, Mr. Shachar explains why he feels that religious bias / bigotry was a motivating factor in Alnaji's battering Mr. Kessler - which would qualify for a penal enhancement in the battery and involuntary manslaughter crimes - which for deterrent purposes, Ventura County District Attorneys ought to consider.

This video shows the vitriol of members of the Islamic Society of Simi Valley, California towards Jewish-people and Israel at a demonstration in Thousand Oaks on November 5, 2023. Mr. Mamdouh Elalami crassly shouts anti-Zionist slurs at Jews through his megaphone, even as Paul Kessler, who had just had his face smashed open by Loay Alnaji, lay just meters away - with open wounds on a stretcher in an ambulance. 

(Video courtesy: @NewsVCNews)

Veteran reporter, Hal Eisner of Fox11-KTTV News, covered a November '23 rally seeking justice for the late Mr. Paul Kessler, whom it is alleged that Mr. Loay Alnaji battered with a megaphone. Mr. Kessler's colleague  Jonathan Oswaks, who is shown in this story, claims that Mr. Alnaji specifically went after Mr. Kessler because he was holding an Israeli flag. Hal Eisner points out that people he interviewed believe that the motive of Alnaji's attack qualifies for "bias-motive" (California law term for what's commonly considered "hate-crime" charge enhancement) for Kessler's association with Israeli nationality (and possibly Jewish faith). Ventura County D.A. Erik Nasarenko's office has not added bias-motive to the charges. Yet anti-Jewish bigotry is a recognized part of Islamic culture, particularly in fundamentalism and certainly in the Middle East and Pakistan. 

 

Lebanese-descended scholar of Islam, Robert Spencer of JihadWatch.com says that the supremacist and annihilationist dogma against non-Muslims is ubiquitous in Islam. Western liberals' 'political correctness' has inhibited criticism of Islam's theology, cultural bigotries, and its imperialism against non-Muslims. Search-engines minimize- and social-media censors commentary on the topic. This taboo-ing inhibits police, investigations, and prosecutors from addressing and confronting the theology in motives for uncivil and criminal conduct.

In the case of the November '23 attack by Jordanian-Muslim Loay Alnaji which killed native Jewish-Californian, Paul Kessler, the Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko may chosen to avoid the prosecution challenging Islam on theo-cultural bias (based on religion or association with Israel) to enhance the battery and involuntary manslaughter charges for a longer, more deterrent penalty.

In this part 2 of the interview, Muslim-raised, Ayman Abu Suboh explores the intricate dynamics of interfaith relations particularly between Muslims, Jews, and Christians. He reflects on personal encounters that reveal trust issues influenced by extremist beliefs, while discussing how financial support from Qatar to Hamas exacerbates anti-Jewish sentiment. He shares his journey from Islam to Judaism, motivated by a divine calling to foster understanding and coexistence between communities, taking the name Dor Shachar- Dawn Generation. 

He recounts experiences in Israel that highlight common humanity, expressing a desire for peaceful coexistence despite historical tensions. Additionally, he raises concerns about insufficient responses from American institutions to anti-Israel sentiments and he urges vigilance among American Jews to ensure their safety and well-being. The narrative underscores a pressing need for open dialogue and community collaboration to address misunderstandings and hostility. 

In cities such as New York and Los Angeles, where the police no longer submit to District Attorneys cases lesser than felonies, police charging without the bias-enhancement (whether based on race, nationality, or association with nationality, such as Americans supportive of Israel) leaves cases of assault or battery as misdemeanors - and don't even receive full investigative resources - and the perpetrators know they can get away with injurious crimes - which poses no deterrent to future attackers and injured victims. The maximum penalty for Loay Alnaji if convicted as charged (without the bias enhancement) in the death of Paul Kessler is only four-years of jail-time (if even sentenced to the maximum). 

Given these logistical limitations, shouldn't police and prosecutors stop avoiding the indoctrinated bigotry Islam inculcates against non-Muslims (e.g., Hindus, Kurds, Copts, Christians, Jews) which has wreaked the Middle East and now, with immigration into the West, also incites bigotry expressed during inciteful protests?

A revolutionary agenda among Islamists (and their Marxist comrades) in the West

Anti-Israel protesters tried to ruin the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade for the second year running Thursday, with cops quickly swarming in to gobble up roughly 25 arrests.

The firebrands entered the parade route at West 55th Street and Fifth Avenue, stopping the Ronald McDonald balloon in its tracks around 9:25 a.m., police said — and drawing loud jeers from parade-goers screaming at the killjoys to move.

Pranksters hung banners from the Queensboro Bridge decrying “genocide” and blaring “Free Palestine, free the land, free them all.”

The banners were as much a pro-Palestinian message as an anti-Thanksgiving one, according to a “communique” apparently from the protesters posted by Jane, the independent reporter.

“On the holiday where this fascist empire commemorates its first but not only genocide, a group of autonomous organizers remind us that fascism here or anywhere is linked to genocide here and everywhere,” it read. “The only solution is global Intifada. LAND BACK NOW.” - N.Y. Post, Mass arrests at Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade as anti-Israel protesters block procession28 Nov. '24

Undercover Video - "False Identity: Israeli Documentary on Islam in the West" (Part 1 of 2). Posted on Radical Truth Oct '23

A Jewish Israeli man who is fluent in Arabic, went undercover as a 'Muslim' to interview and expose the Islamists and their plan for the Islamization of America and Europe. (43 min.)

 

Second episode. "Undercover Video - False Identity: Israeli Documentary on Islam in the West) (America: Part 2 of 2.) (41min)

 

Posted by Radical Truth.  https://www.radicaltruth.net/

"Decline and Fall of America? Not Yet" - by writer David Mamet

Trump appears to have broken the codependency of the woke - and averted a destructive revolution. 

 - A commentary by David Mamet, playwright, film director and screenwriter. Published in Wall St. Journal, Friday 22 Nov '24

For the past four years Israel has been the leader of the free world. The Jewish state has been the West’s sole protection against Islamist terror, fighting while reviled by the people and countries it was protecting. Its position was similar to that of Donald Trump—demonized, persecuted, targeted for violence.

Now that Israel and the U.S. will again be allies, we can hope Iran will be returned to the Iranian people, Gaza will become a wealthy city-state, and there will be that biblical peace in which each may sit under his fig tree and be unafraid.

Moses sent 12 spies to scout out the Promised Land. They returned and reported it was a good land, filled with milk and honey, but it was populated by giants so large “we must have looked to them like grasshoppers, and that is how we seemed to ourselves in our own eyes.”

David Mamet shook-up liberal fans by dissenting from
leftist shibboleths at L.A. Times Fest of Books, April '24

Moses admonished them that they had been asked for their report, which gave their people information, rather than for their opinion, which made everyone afraid. The cowardice of the spies caused the 40 years of wandering, as Moses kept the Jews in the desert until that generation had died off.

God’s promise to the Jews, their fear and his rejection is a universal human myth. The hero is given a task he rejects. In the first instance he must confront himself and choose bravery over cowardice. The mythic hero is aided by the Word of God, contemporary Westerners by heroic example. Winston Churchill inspired in his country’s populace an awareness of their own greatness. So does Mr. Trump.

Yet half of America not only abides but fervently supports a codependent decline to poverty, crime and a nascent police state. Why? The leftist politicians and their media courtiers and designated beneficiaries profited from the perks of power. But why did the everyday American endorse them and their fear mongering? The actual threat wasn’t global warming, Islamophobia, the Supreme Court, the police, Immigration and Customs Enforcement or Mr. Trump. It was exclusion from the herd.

An existential secret is one whose revelation would destroy the group. If dad is a drug addict or a sex criminal, acknowledging it would shatter the family. The protection of the secret becomes the family’s unifying endeavor. If anyone says anything, it might reveal that everyone is in on the secret. The sick family devotes all necessary energies to collusion—to mutual and self-censorship.

During the past four years, American politics has been dominated by a coalition each of whose members, like codependent kin, has its own investment in group integrity and the power it derives therefrom. The superrich, academia, Islamists, Marxists and the media have colluded to suppress the true and impose the false.
We know that their perfidies, lawfare, slander, blacklisting and civil persecution were practiced on conservatives and Republicans, particularly on Mr. Trump. But the suppression was targeted primarily at their own voters.

To remain unthreatened by reason, the liberal populace had to be convinced to endorse various lies and fantasies: Black Lives Matter, Israel’s perfidy, unlimited abortion as a woman’s right, men’s right to compete in women’s sports, the abolition of the police, Mr. Trump’s demonic power and so on.

Why would rational people vote to destroy their borders, their cities, their jobs and their children? For the same reason the sick family must tolerate its dysfunction: The co-opted liberal electorate was terrified that any deviation would result in destruction of its protective unit. As it would.

In the energy devoted to accommodating lies, the mind puts them in the same category as truth. The codependent pays a huge price from them: his self-respect. President Biden suffers cognitive decline; the administration and the legacy media hid that fact and suppressed its discussion. They did the same with the chaos at the border, crime, inflation, the putsch of Mr. Biden and his replacement through fiat.

Before June 27, almost all Democrats and media outlets insisted that Mr. Biden was sharp and focused. On July 21, he was ousted from the campaign, and the hagiography of Kamala Harris began. Conservatives’ requests for clarification of her role as “border czar” were labeled “misogynistic.” Her catch phrases were “joy” and “turn the page.” Why would she have wanted to turn the page on four years of the Biden administration, of which she said she would do nothing differently?

To the left, it didn’t matter. “She isn’t Trump” was sufficient reason to vote for her. Trump isn’t the devil, but a rational consideration of him and his achievements was beyond the liberal’s ability. Mr. Trump was the enemy because he represented a challenge they could not accept.

The transition from party-line liberal to reasonable citizen generally involves some degree of shame. The genius of 12-step programs is that shame in them can be aired, and, so diffused, in a company each of which has undergone a similar upheaval; where confessions of complicity and shame are greeted and diffused with recognition, laughter and welcome—as among new conservatives, and new devotees to citizenship.

Why would sentient Americans vote away the freedoms of thought, conscience, assembly and expression guaranteed by our Constitution? It makes sense, as any suicide does, as an act of survival. The suicide takes his own life to stop unbearable anguish. It is the most desperate act of self-preservation.

Prosperity, interconnectivity and their attendant confusions have led to chaos, the denigration of religion, the family, law and the nations whose identity was created out of the Judeo-Christian tradition. The U.K. now is prosecuting those standing silently across the street from abortion clinics. Should they testify that they were praying, they are guilty of a crime.

Since the ’20 election I have feared a new American revolution, the leftist government proclaiming its intent to destroy parents whom it calls terrorists and citizens whom it deems insurrectionists. During the past four years Mr. Trump—raided, indicted, convicted, sued, slandered and shot—continued to grow in popularity, and attracted the like-minded into a coalition stronger than that of the left.

To command, one must have lieutenants themselves capable of assuming command and inspiring subordinates. Their absence in 2020 led to that bump in the road; but their emergence and amalgamation in the last four years is now the Republican Party. This isn’t a cult of personality, but a group of citizen-workers, Americans who adore our country. We understand ourselves not primarily as Republicans or conservatives, but as “we the people.”

The horror of the past four years—the appeasement of terror, the slavish support of our enemies, the abandonment of the state of Israel, the assaults on free speech—seemed to me the descent into chaos which has been the end of every world power.

Rome, Greece, Nineveh and Tyre, Babylon, Nazi Germany—all were eventually returned to dust. I saw the irreversible decline of the U.S. and took comfort in the scripture. The Old Testament is a record of decline of those civilizations which fall away from God; and promises that a return to his precepts will restore his grace. We know that one day America, as all things, will go one with Nineveh and Tyre. But not today.

David Mamet Calls Hollywood's Diversity Efforts 'Fascist Totalitarianism' at L.A. Times Festival of Books in April 2024

Roundtable of US Veterans Officials Concerned with Women and Minorities: A Who's Who of Leading Veteran Advocates and Providers in S. California

"Women and Minority Veterans Roundtable." An event held April 11, 2023 at Patriot Hall in Los Angeles. Organized by Greg Lee, former California Commander of the Jewish War Veterans.

After inducting new military recruits in Los Angeles, and following his speech to more young people, we asked visiting guest speaker, NBC/MSNBC military analyst Col. Jack Jacobs (a US Medal of Honor recipient) how well he feels Vietnam veterans are finally getting their due? Might American security benefit from a national service obligation for young people living here nowadays?

Part 1: "Introducing the Participants" "A Who's Who of Leading Veteran Advocates and Providers.

Greg Lee of the Jewish War Veterans leads the exploration of the current state of collaboration and coordination among veteran groups in Sacramento. While there may be several separate groups working on similar issues, they are not always aligned or coordinated. Mr. Lee believes that collaboration and coordination among experts in different areas can be beneficial and can help move the dial in the right direction. Regarding producer-generated content, the video touches on the topic of social media, specifically short reels on TikTok, which are currently popular among younger audiences. 

The hosts also discuss the effects of the pandemic on the industry and the importance of marketing efforts in promoting the important work being done by these organizations. The video welcomes the attendees and acknowledges the challenges they faced getting there. 

The next speaker, Dov Cohen, gives a brief invocation on behalf of the National Cemetery Support Foundation, and the deputy director of the Los Angeles County Department of Military and Veteran Affairs discusses the importance of their role in the event. The speakers in this session focus on advocating for veterans and their families, specifically women veterans. They discuss the issue of women veterans not participating in the full range of veteran benefits programs, despite being the fastest-growing cohort. They emphasize the need to help these veterans better understand their eligibility and connect them to these resources, as well as acknowledge the sacrifices made by all veterans, regardless of gender.

The video introduces a group of leaders actively involved with the Rolling Vietnam Mall, including Captain Tasu Battalion EXO for Los Angeles recruiting, Dr. Ali H. Hong, Trojan Success Initiatives Director at USC, and Janine Williams, a USC veteran and center supervisor for the veterans Resource Center. The group also features Cedric Thomas, office administrator for the Los Angeles National Cemetery, Glenn Sheer, past commander of the Hollywood Squadron 43, Jeff D, US Marine Corps Commander, and Chaplain Dove Cohen, US Air Force Vietnam. They discuss their relationships with various veteran organizations and the work they do to provide resources and support for veterans and their families. The video concludes with reflections on the host's experience of interacting with civilians who don't understand the challenges faced by veterans during their transition to civilian life. The host emphasizes the importance of empowering veterans with resources and guidance to achieve success in their career. The video also introduces several veterans who are present in the roundtable and provides insight into their backgrounds, experiences, and achievements.

• 00:00:00 In this section of the Roundtable Pt 1, the speaker discusses the current state of collaboration and coordination among veteran groups in Sacramento. While there may be several separate groups working on similar issues, they are not always aligned or coordinated. However, the speaker believes that collaboration and coordination among experts in different areas can be beneficial and can help move the dial in the right direction. The speaker also emphasizes the need to address the growing number of women veterans and the importance of their contributions. Women veterans in the military currently make up a 50% contingent when all dependent spouses, reserves, guards, and other family members and caregivers are included. This is a significant increase from the 20% of women that previously comprised the military. The speaker acknowledges that addressing the needs of women veterans and minorities will require consistent incremental improvements, but believes that this can lead to significant changes in the future. The speaker then discusses the importance of addressing minority veteran issues, specifically the Jewish War Veterans, the Latino community, and the African-American population. While the latter may have more visibility, the speaker is excited to extend a hand of friendship to the Latino community and acknowledge their contributions to the veteran community.
  
  
• 00:05:00 In this section the hosts discuss various topics related to veteran advocacy and provision. They begin by asking everyone to introduce themselves, emphasizing the importance of standing up and being succinct during these introductions. The video then moves on to the topic of social media, specifically short reels on Tik Tok, which are currently popular among younger audiences. The hosts also discuss the effects of the pandemic on the industry and the importance of marketing efforts in promoting the important work being done by these organizations. The video ends with a call to appreciate different opinions and respect the diversity of viewpoints.
  
  
• 00:10:00 In this section Greg Lee welcomes the attendees and thanks them for coming to Downtown LA. He acknowledges the challenges of getting there, but expresses gratitude for their presence. The host then gives an introduction of the next speaker, Dove Cohen, who will be giving a brief invocation. Cohen is an Air Force veteran, chaplain, and chairman emeritus of the National Cemetery Support Foundation. The host then acknowledges and thanks the deputy director of the Los Angeles County Department of Military and Veteran Affairs, Stephanie Stone, for her participation and leadership in the event.
  
  
• 00:15:00 In this section, the speakers discuss their focus on advocating for veterans and their families, specifically women veterans. They highlight the issue of women veterans not participating in the full range of veteran benefits programs, despite being the fastest growing cohort. They also mention the need to help these veterans better understand their eligibility and connect them to these resources, as well as to acknowledge the sacrifices made by all veterans, regardless of gender. The speakers include Bob Lee, retired from the US Navy, who served in the First Gulf War and now serves as vice commander of American Legion Post 138; Ronnie Guy, who served in the US Army and has been involved with Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom; and a recovered Cuyahoga County Veteran Service Officer who has focused on advocating for veterans since leaving the Air Force. Along with Shad Metcalf, president and founder of the National Veterans Foundation, and Dr. R. Shad Macon, they emphasize the importance of supporting and connecting with all veterans and providing them with resources they are entitled to.
  
  
• 00:20:00 In this section, a group of leaders actively involved with the Rolling Vietnam Mall are introduced. The National Cemetery at the Rolling Vietnam Mall is going to host the largest Vietnam Wall display that travels, and it is expected to attract a record audience. Captain Tasu Battalion EXO for Los Angeles recruiting is also present. Dr. Ali H. Hong, Trojan Success Initiatives Director at USC, discusses his focus on serving historically marginalized populations and addressing equity issues. Janine Williams, a USC veteran and center supervisor for the veterans Resource Center, speaks about her work with community engagement and programming for veteran and military students. Cedric Thomas, office administrator for the Los Angeles National Cemetery, shares information about benefits extended to veterans, spouses, and children. Glenn Sheer, past commander of the Hollywood Squadron 43, shares information about the National Cemetery Support Foundation. Jeff D, US Marine Corps Commander, discusses the American Legion and his work with the national level podcast Tango Alpha Lima. Chaplain Dove Cohen, US Air Force Vietnam, shares a message of hope and wisdom for the audience. Finally, the Pink Lady, an actress and producer, and her partner, introduce their TV show and talk about their work with the senior and veteran military committee.
  
  
• 00:25:00 In this section, several leaders from veteran organizations discuss their relationships with the Marine Corps and their activities related to providing knitted goods for veterans and recruiting young veterans. Dr. Jerry Silver, a Flight Surgeon in the Marine Corps, talks about his relationship with the Department Commander for their state and their work with the hospital and various branches of the Marines. He also mentions their success in providing wool for a group of ladies who make lap blankets and other items for veterans. Jerick Lindz, the incoming president of the Veterans Association of USC, talks about his experiences mentoring young veterans and helping them transition from the military to civilian life. Leo Trinos, the Program Manager for Veteran Pure Access Network District 1, also discusses his work with JVS Soel and their Veteran and Perer Access Network team, as well as his collaboration with the Supervisor District 1. Joe Le, an Army veteran and advocate, talks about his experiences mentoring young veterans and helping them understand the challenges of transitioning from the military to civilian life.
  
  
• 00:30:00 In this section, the host, a veteran himself, shares his experience of interacting with civilians who don't understand the challenges faced by veterans during their transition to civilian life. The host speaks about the importance of empowering veterans with resources and guidance to achieve success in their career. The video also introduces several veterans who are present in the roundtable and provides insight into their backgrounds, experiences, and achievements. The video highlights the importance of advocacy for veterans in achieving their goals and building a better future.
  
  
• 00:35:00 In this section, we meet five individuals who are leaders in the veteran community. Sam Uden is a sergeant major in the US Army and post commander in Jewish war vets. Dave Smith is a retired Air Force officer who served as a test pilot and now works as a civilian supporting the Air National Guard. Jack Jacobs is a retired US Army major general who worked as a test pilot at the Skunk Works. Scott Abrams is the district director for Congressman Brad Sherman, who helps veterans with their benefits through his office's casework system. Nelson Mellitz is the national commander for the Jewish War Veterans and has served for 32 years.
  
  
• 00:40:00 In this section, the speaker discusses the importance of education and how it is a key to moving forward in today's world. They highlight the contributions of two individuals, Colonel Jack Jacobs of West Point and their alma mater, the University of Southern California. The speaker talks about how Colonel Jack Jacobs teaches firsties at West Point, preparing them for leadership roles. They also express the value of learning from past experiences and how time seems to go by quickly when we get older.
  
  
• 00:45:00 In this section, the speaker reflects on their experience as a cadet and the impact they had on their cadets. They highlight examples of cadets who grew up to become successful leaders, including Ray Odno, who became Chief of Staff of the Army, Marty Dempsey, who became Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Bob C, who became the Superintendent of West Point. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of education in passing on the lessons learned and sacrifices made by previous generations. They encourage everyone to make a commitment every day to teach everything they know to succeeding generations in order to remain free.