May 6, 2026 • 9 mins
Brian chats with Steve.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
Seven kc DE talk station. Brian Thomas always happy to
see the clemic cuty Veteran services folks in the studio,
and that would mean, of course Steve Belso, the executive
director of the Clima Cutty Veteran Service com Mission. But
we also have a new character in the room, Louke
Gordon's his name, Steve Belzo. Good to see a man.
Speaker 2 (00:16):
What's with lou Brian? I'll tell you what.
Speaker 3 (00:18):
It's always a great morning when I get to come
in here and see the energy of Brian Thomas and
what you do for veterans.
Speaker 1 (00:24):
So love the veteran that's the thing. It'll get me
out of bed.
Speaker 2 (00:32):
I don't know about that.
Speaker 3 (00:33):
There's plenty of aggravated stuff out there, keep and Brian
Thomas going. But I have, I have, I have pulled
the stinger away. And I didn't say a thing about
Lou that you asked me. So this is how we
do it in radio and television, isn't it?
Speaker 2 (00:44):
Nonetheless?
Speaker 1 (00:44):
Wells, Lou you called it succession planning.
Speaker 2 (00:49):
I wait a second, I did, Steve Belzo.
Speaker 1 (00:51):
You got to foot out the door already.
Speaker 3 (00:53):
You know I'm still learning to spell succession. So that
is why this is so unique that I even said the.
Speaker 1 (00:58):
Word Brian, well, we know you, what about Lou? It
was so accri we'll talk about Memorial Day. I know
why you're here, but I have a feeling we're going
to see We're going to see Lou Gordon in the studio,
maybe more down the road. Sometimes that is correct.
Speaker 2 (01:12):
That is correct.
Speaker 3 (01:13):
So with most places, especially in a business concept, veteran
service officers, large budget identified by the state. How much
you want to ensure that someone taking over as the
executive director has an understanding and background and business so
that budgets are developed, spending is done in concert with
(01:33):
You have a mission of the office that you ensure
it's going correctly. Lou came to the office one day.
We're talking. He's got a master's from Xavier. He's doing
another degree at U. See, he won't get his nose
out of his books. He's got a callous on his nose.
His books are in his noses in the books so much. Nonetheless,
talented young man exceeds me. So surround yourself with white
(01:56):
people as.
Speaker 1 (01:57):
I would expect. Steve Bells is looking out for the
American veteran that's served by the Clemont County Veterans Services
on into the future, anticipating it someday, Yes, like all
of us, the will not be in that role. So Lou,
I'm glad to see you man. I wish you all
the best on your future role and we will be
talking more soon. But you know you came in here
today and I mean to sidetrack you talking about lose
(02:17):
so much. Memorial Day, Memorial Day, and some people confuse
Memorial Day with Veterans Day.
Speaker 2 (02:22):
That are barbecue grill Day.
Speaker 3 (02:24):
I'm not sure, but there is a big distinction between
Memorial Day and Veterans Day. And how many Sunday mornings
in church, how many times that's off track. It's embarrassing.
And people look at me when I won't stand up
on Memorial Day and you want to jump up there
and say stop, it's not about us.
Speaker 1 (02:46):
No, it's about those who gave the ultimate sacrifice and
service of their country.
Speaker 3 (02:50):
Let's look at the definition of the day. It's a
memorial right, Yeah, it's Memorial Day, So you would answer
the question front it does words have meaning? And when
I look for that definition, it's not about Steve who's
still upright on his two shoes, so it's just one
(03:11):
of those messages to get out there is one America.
Speaker 2 (03:14):
Remember why it's called.
Speaker 3 (03:16):
Memorial Day and who we are memorializing, and basically for
the freedoms we have in this country still, whether you
think we still have them or not, we are still
the freest country on God's green Earth.
Speaker 1 (03:29):
I wish people wouldn't lose sight of that.
Speaker 2 (03:30):
Please.
Speaker 1 (03:31):
That's one of the reasons I appreciate supporting the American
veterans and the causes because they represent the freedom that
our country has when sim we would not be here.
So don't go away. Morris Steve Belzow from the Climat
County Veteran Services We're going to talk about what is
Decoration Day. We'll talk about also what services the Veteran
Service Organization offers family members who have lost members in
service of our country. Seven fifty eight fifty five kc
(03:54):
DE talks Station Climate County Veteran Service Mission. They're there
to help the American veteran the Clairemont County area. Steve
Belzo the executive director of the Clamou County Veteran Service
Commission in studio, we're talking about Memorial Day. No, it's
not Veterans Day. It's for those who died in military service,
paying the ultimate sacrifice for your freedom and my freedom,
and gobless each and every one of them. It used
to be decoration day.
Speaker 2 (04:15):
Steve, it did, right, Yeah, when this.
Speaker 1 (04:18):
Decoration does not define the day like Memorial Day does.
Speaker 3 (04:22):
No, it doesn't when you think of decoration Day. This
whole Memorial Day concept has variable beginnings depending on who
you talk to that originally they believe the well, they're
known as Buffalo soldiers later on, but the African Americans
that fought in the Civil War down in the Carolinas
(04:45):
were recognizing their war dead and certainly proud of what
they were fighting for during that war. Talk about a
vested interest exactly, so the honor of their own kin
have died in the war. They were decorating the graves,
and then another state picks up. So that's pretty neat
what they're doing, and it just continued to porpoise from
(05:05):
there that other people. Pennsylvania then started one and they said, well,
we started the first one. And so there's no real
definitive answer who started this, but yet we know that
this started as a decoration day of decorating the graves
of those who have given their lives.
Speaker 2 (05:21):
That makes it for freedom.
Speaker 1 (05:22):
That makes sense, and of course that tradition is still
going on, is absolutely more toward Memorial Day. But what
about the families. I mean, part of the tragedy of
all this is you know, anytime someone dies that leave
behind grieving family members. Are family members a part of
this remembrance process?
Speaker 3 (05:39):
They are, and it's I want to say, yes, it's
in design, but they're often left behind. Everybody remembers Sergeant
Joe from my high school class, but they don't think
of Sergeant Joe's family exactly or mom. So back during
World War one and two, we had the blue Star families,
and it was a little flag you would hang in
your window that you had a family member serving in
(06:02):
the war, and so you hang a little flag and
had a little blue star on it. But when you
lost your loved one, that blue star changed to a
gold star, and we were able to identify the families
who lost a loved one in the war. Then that
morphed into gold Star mothers, gold Star family, gold Star spouses,
which is true right, and it's just another way to recognize,
(06:24):
especially during Memorial Day. It's not about the veterans still breathing.
It's about those who have given their lives and the
families who lent their loved ones to their nation to
die on their behalf, so that we enjoy the freedoms
that we have.
Speaker 1 (06:39):
Well stateds the bells as always. What services does the
VSO offer to families that have lost members in service
to our country?
Speaker 2 (06:46):
There are the multiplicity, there is.
Speaker 3 (06:51):
One. A lot of the individuals, family wise, don't recognize
or understand medals or ribbons that were awarded their love
life ones. They may have documents such as on a
D two fourteen, which is a federal document of separation
that will list that service members decorations earned, and they'll
come in with the document, say what what are these
(07:12):
and how do we get these medals? We'll put them
together for them. We'll actually hand the family a rack
of ribbons that their loved one would have earned or
the medals.
Speaker 1 (07:21):
That's wonderful, Yeah, that's wonderful. Now, insofar as Clemont County
Veteran Services, are you aware of events, maybe you might
want to point out that are going on in honor
Memorial Day for my listening audience.
Speaker 3 (07:31):
Oh my gosh, they're going all over the tri State.
Everywhere you look, it is, right, yes, it is everywhere
you look. We have a very robust we call them
Veterans Service organizations. Think of the VFW, the DAV that's
Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, the American Legion,
and they will be out placing flags and temporary grave
(07:54):
markers at veterans grave sites throughout this whole Southwest region,
primarily Stihio I imagine as well, but there are organizations
you can connect with, look up in your phone book
or on Google because Google knows everything, what's my locus
lesion and ask them if they're doing anything for Memorial Day.
But there's also other organizations who are out there identifying
(08:15):
the graves. Plus this year we have the Revolutionary War
Soldiers coming up on the fourth of July. There'll be
events coming up, so it's of course it's kind of
special this Memorial Day as well, right.
Speaker 1 (08:27):
Truly special. And you know, when you get back to
the Civil War and you look at the numbers of
dead just from the Civil War, it's just astronomical, It
is insane. It is really hard to really fathom and comprehend.
But they're there for us to remember, and hopefully my
listening audience is filled with folks who will be doing
just that. Honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. This
Memorial Day, show up at one of the events, put
(08:48):
a flag on your deceased love one. Veterans are veterans grave.
It's the right thing to do, and let's keep this
proud tradition going, most notably in honor of the two
undred and fiftieth anniversary of this great country.
Speaker 2 (09:00):
That's right.
Speaker 1 (09:01):
Absolutely, so many people died so making it work.
Speaker 3 (09:04):
It's yes, right, it's it's their blood that covers the
granite foundation of what our diplomacy is built upon.
Speaker 1 (09:13):
Clamla County Veterans Service Commission. You find them online so
easily with just typing in that. Steve Belzo, thank you
for all that you do throughout the year for the
American Veterans. Lou great to have you aboard. You're joining
an outstanding organization. It's wonderful having you both in and
you know I'll have you right back. ASA. It's always
here for you, my friends.
Speaker 2 (09:29):
Thank you, brother. I appreciate the teamwork.
Speaker 1 (09:31):
Happy to do it seven fifty six right now, don't
go away. After the top of the hour news. We
have lots to talk about between now and at eight thirty,
when Judge Edita Polatana returns talk about free speech. You
gotta take the good with the bed, says Judge Nita Polatana.
Don't go away, I'll be right back.
Seven kc DE talk station. Brian Thomas always happy to
see the clemic cuty Veteran services folks in the studio,
and that would mean, of course Steve Belso, the executive
director of the Clima Cutty Veteran Service com Mission. But
we also have a new character in the room, Louke
Gordon's his name, Steve Belzo. Good to see a man.
Speaker 2 (00:16):
What's with lou Brian? I'll tell you what.
Speaker 3 (00:18):
It's always a great morning when I get to come
in here and see the energy of Brian Thomas and
what you do for veterans.
Speaker 1 (00:24):
So love the veteran that's the thing. It'll get me
out of bed.
Speaker 2 (00:32):
I don't know about that.
Speaker 3 (00:33):
There's plenty of aggravated stuff out there, keep and Brian
Thomas going. But I have, I have, I have pulled
the stinger away. And I didn't say a thing about
Lou that you asked me. So this is how we
do it in radio and television, isn't it?
Speaker 2 (00:44):
Nonetheless?
Speaker 1 (00:44):
Wells, Lou you called it succession planning.
Speaker 2 (00:49):
I wait a second, I did, Steve Belzo.
Speaker 1 (00:51):
You got to foot out the door already.
Speaker 3 (00:53):
You know I'm still learning to spell succession. So that
is why this is so unique that I even said the.
Speaker 1 (00:58):
Word Brian, well, we know you, what about Lou? It
was so accri we'll talk about Memorial Day. I know
why you're here, but I have a feeling we're going
to see We're going to see Lou Gordon in the studio,
maybe more down the road. Sometimes that is correct.
Speaker 2 (01:12):
That is correct.
Speaker 3 (01:13):
So with most places, especially in a business concept, veteran
service officers, large budget identified by the state. How much
you want to ensure that someone taking over as the
executive director has an understanding and background and business so
that budgets are developed, spending is done in concert with
(01:33):
You have a mission of the office that you ensure
it's going correctly. Lou came to the office one day.
We're talking. He's got a master's from Xavier. He's doing
another degree at U. See, he won't get his nose
out of his books. He's got a callous on his nose.
His books are in his noses in the books so much. Nonetheless,
talented young man exceeds me. So surround yourself with white
(01:56):
people as.
Speaker 1 (01:57):
I would expect. Steve Bells is looking out for the
American veteran that's served by the Clemont County Veterans Services
on into the future, anticipating it someday, Yes, like all
of us, the will not be in that role. So Lou,
I'm glad to see you man. I wish you all
the best on your future role and we will be
talking more soon. But you know you came in here
today and I mean to sidetrack you talking about lose
(02:17):
so much. Memorial Day, Memorial Day, and some people confuse
Memorial Day with Veterans Day.
Speaker 2 (02:22):
That are barbecue grill Day.
Speaker 3 (02:24):
I'm not sure, but there is a big distinction between
Memorial Day and Veterans Day. And how many Sunday mornings
in church, how many times that's off track. It's embarrassing.
And people look at me when I won't stand up
on Memorial Day and you want to jump up there
and say stop, it's not about us.
Speaker 1 (02:46):
No, it's about those who gave the ultimate sacrifice and
service of their country.
Speaker 3 (02:50):
Let's look at the definition of the day. It's a
memorial right, Yeah, it's Memorial Day, So you would answer
the question front it does words have meaning? And when
I look for that definition, it's not about Steve who's
still upright on his two shoes, so it's just one
(03:11):
of those messages to get out there is one America.
Speaker 2 (03:14):
Remember why it's called.
Speaker 3 (03:16):
Memorial Day and who we are memorializing, and basically for
the freedoms we have in this country still, whether you
think we still have them or not, we are still
the freest country on God's green Earth.
Speaker 1 (03:29):
I wish people wouldn't lose sight of that.
Speaker 2 (03:30):
Please.
Speaker 1 (03:31):
That's one of the reasons I appreciate supporting the American
veterans and the causes because they represent the freedom that
our country has when sim we would not be here.
So don't go away. Morris Steve Belzow from the Climat
County Veteran Services We're going to talk about what is
Decoration Day. We'll talk about also what services the Veteran
Service Organization offers family members who have lost members in
service of our country. Seven fifty eight fifty five kc
(03:54):
DE talks Station Climate County Veteran Service Mission. They're there
to help the American veteran the Clairemont County area. Steve
Belzo the executive director of the Clamou County Veteran Service
Commission in studio, we're talking about Memorial Day. No, it's
not Veterans Day. It's for those who died in military service,
paying the ultimate sacrifice for your freedom and my freedom,
and gobless each and every one of them. It used
to be decoration day.
Speaker 2 (04:15):
Steve, it did, right, Yeah, when this.
Speaker 1 (04:18):
Decoration does not define the day like Memorial Day does.
Speaker 3 (04:22):
No, it doesn't when you think of decoration Day. This
whole Memorial Day concept has variable beginnings depending on who
you talk to that originally they believe the well, they're
known as Buffalo soldiers later on, but the African Americans
that fought in the Civil War down in the Carolinas
(04:45):
were recognizing their war dead and certainly proud of what
they were fighting for during that war. Talk about a
vested interest exactly, so the honor of their own kin
have died in the war. They were decorating the graves,
and then another state picks up. So that's pretty neat
what they're doing, and it just continued to porpoise from
(05:05):
there that other people. Pennsylvania then started one and they said, well,
we started the first one. And so there's no real
definitive answer who started this, but yet we know that
this started as a decoration day of decorating the graves
of those who have given their lives.
Speaker 2 (05:21):
That makes it for freedom.
Speaker 1 (05:22):
That makes sense, and of course that tradition is still
going on, is absolutely more toward Memorial Day. But what
about the families. I mean, part of the tragedy of
all this is you know, anytime someone dies that leave
behind grieving family members. Are family members a part of
this remembrance process?
Speaker 3 (05:39):
They are, and it's I want to say, yes, it's
in design, but they're often left behind. Everybody remembers Sergeant
Joe from my high school class, but they don't think
of Sergeant Joe's family exactly or mom. So back during
World War one and two, we had the blue Star families,
and it was a little flag you would hang in
your window that you had a family member serving in
(06:02):
the war, and so you hang a little flag and
had a little blue star on it. But when you
lost your loved one, that blue star changed to a
gold star, and we were able to identify the families
who lost a loved one in the war. Then that
morphed into gold Star mothers, gold Star family, gold Star spouses,
which is true right, and it's just another way to recognize,
(06:24):
especially during Memorial Day. It's not about the veterans still breathing.
It's about those who have given their lives and the
families who lent their loved ones to their nation to
die on their behalf, so that we enjoy the freedoms
that we have.
Speaker 1 (06:39):
Well stateds the bells as always. What services does the
VSO offer to families that have lost members in service
to our country?
Speaker 2 (06:46):
There are the multiplicity, there is.
Speaker 3 (06:51):
One. A lot of the individuals, family wise, don't recognize
or understand medals or ribbons that were awarded their love
life ones. They may have documents such as on a
D two fourteen, which is a federal document of separation
that will list that service members decorations earned, and they'll
come in with the document, say what what are these
(07:12):
and how do we get these medals? We'll put them
together for them. We'll actually hand the family a rack
of ribbons that their loved one would have earned or
the medals.
Speaker 1 (07:21):
That's wonderful, Yeah, that's wonderful. Now, insofar as Clemont County
Veteran Services, are you aware of events, maybe you might
want to point out that are going on in honor
Memorial Day for my listening audience.
Speaker 3 (07:31):
Oh my gosh, they're going all over the tri State.
Everywhere you look, it is, right, yes, it is everywhere
you look. We have a very robust we call them
Veterans Service organizations. Think of the VFW, the DAV that's
Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, the American Legion,
and they will be out placing flags and temporary grave
(07:54):
markers at veterans grave sites throughout this whole Southwest region,
primarily Stihio I imagine as well, but there are organizations
you can connect with, look up in your phone book
or on Google because Google knows everything, what's my locus
lesion and ask them if they're doing anything for Memorial Day.
But there's also other organizations who are out there identifying
(08:15):
the graves. Plus this year we have the Revolutionary War
Soldiers coming up on the fourth of July. There'll be
events coming up, so it's of course it's kind of
special this Memorial Day as well, right.
Speaker 1 (08:27):
Truly special. And you know, when you get back to
the Civil War and you look at the numbers of
dead just from the Civil War, it's just astronomical, It
is insane. It is really hard to really fathom and comprehend.
But they're there for us to remember, and hopefully my
listening audience is filled with folks who will be doing
just that. Honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. This
Memorial Day, show up at one of the events, put
(08:48):
a flag on your deceased love one. Veterans are veterans grave.
It's the right thing to do, and let's keep this
proud tradition going, most notably in honor of the two
undred and fiftieth anniversary of this great country.
Speaker 2 (09:00):
That's right.
Speaker 1 (09:01):
Absolutely, so many people died so making it work.
Speaker 3 (09:04):
It's yes, right, it's it's their blood that covers the
granite foundation of what our diplomacy is built upon.
Speaker 1 (09:13):
Clamla County Veterans Service Commission. You find them online so
easily with just typing in that. Steve Belzo, thank you
for all that you do throughout the year for the
American Veterans. Lou great to have you aboard. You're joining
an outstanding organization. It's wonderful having you both in and
you know I'll have you right back. ASA. It's always
here for you, my friends.
Speaker 2 (09:29):
Thank you, brother. I appreciate the teamwork.
Speaker 1 (09:31):
Happy to do it seven fifty six right now, don't
go away. After the top of the hour news. We
have lots to talk about between now and at eight thirty,
when Judge Edita Polatana returns talk about free speech. You
gotta take the good with the bed, says Judge Nita Polatana.
Don't go away, I'll be right back.
Brian Thomas News
Popular Podcasts
Joy 101 with Hoda Kotb
Joy is essential. And it's also elusive. You can't order it, borrow it, or simply hope it into life. But now, there's a new and exciting way to start your journey toward a more joyful existence: The Joy 101 Podcast with Hoda! Best known for her Emmy-winning work and co-anchoring Today, Hoda Kotb infuses her authenticity, curiosity, and warmth into conversations with the world’s most fascinating people. Entertainment legends, sport icons, wellness experts, and everyday folks will share how they find, allow, and experience joy. Hoda will offer her own tips and takes on seeking a more balanced, harmonious life. If you're craving inspiration, support, and useful tools to maximize your joy, tune in to these candid, uplifting, and moving on-air chats. Joy after a breakup, joy as an empty-nester, joy after loss, joy as a caretaker — Hoda's new podcast will speak to you. Joy 101 with Hoda Kotb, an iHeartPodcast.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com