1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:10,640 All across America and around the world, this is Veterans Radio. 2 00:00:10,640 --> 00:00:15,920 This is Veterans Radio. 3 00:00:15,920 --> 00:00:17,840 Welcome to Veterans Radio. 4 00:00:17,840 --> 00:00:20,560 I am Jim Fausone. 5 00:00:20,560 --> 00:00:22,880 I'm the officer of the deck today. 6 00:00:22,880 --> 00:00:24,720 We've got some great programs for you. 7 00:00:24,720 --> 00:00:27,760 I think you'll find very interesting. 8 00:00:27,760 --> 00:00:34,480 We always want to remind you you can find more about Veterans Radio at its Facebook site 9 00:00:34,480 --> 00:00:37,280 or at the web. 10 00:00:37,280 --> 00:00:42,720 VeteransRadio.org is our new URL, VeteransRadio.org. 11 00:00:42,720 --> 00:00:48,240 Where we're on the web 24-7, you can find a lot of our podcasts there as well. 12 00:00:48,240 --> 00:00:55,520 We post new ones every Tuesday, so you can get a new story, a new interview, something 13 00:00:55,520 --> 00:00:59,280 you didn't know before by going to VeteransRadio.org. 14 00:00:59,280 --> 00:01:04,560 And before we get started, we want to thank our sponsors. 15 00:01:04,560 --> 00:01:13,840 First up, we want to thank National Veteran Business Development Council, NVBDC.org. 16 00:01:13,840 --> 00:01:19,520 It was established to certify both service disabled and veteran owned businesses. 17 00:01:19,520 --> 00:01:26,080 You'll find out how they can help your business by going to NVBDC.org. 18 00:01:26,080 --> 00:01:29,600 We want to thank Legal Help for Veterans. 19 00:01:29,600 --> 00:01:35,080 Legal Help for Veterans fights for veterans disability rights all across the nation. 20 00:01:35,080 --> 00:01:46,840 You can reach them at 800-693-4800 or on the web at LegalHelpForVeterans.com. 21 00:01:46,840 --> 00:01:53,800 We want to welcome to VeteransRadio today Robert B. Middleton II, the national commandant 22 00:01:53,800 --> 00:01:57,120 of the Montford Point Marines of America. 23 00:01:57,120 --> 00:01:59,720 Robert, welcome to VeteransRadio. 24 00:01:59,720 --> 00:02:03,760 Robert Middleton II Well, it's an honor and a privilege. 25 00:02:03,760 --> 00:02:05,120 Thank you very much for having me. 26 00:02:05,120 --> 00:02:09,840 Robert Middleton II Well, this is an interesting group to talk about and it's got an upcoming 27 00:02:09,840 --> 00:02:15,880 military banquet and awards ceremony on June 23rd of 2024. 28 00:02:15,880 --> 00:02:18,680 It'll be held at Burton Manor in Lavonia, Michigan. 29 00:02:18,680 --> 00:02:20,920 We're going to talk a little bit more about that. 30 00:02:20,920 --> 00:02:23,400 But let's start with a little bit about you. 31 00:02:23,400 --> 00:02:30,720 You spent five years in the Marine Corps and then went on to a quite incredible finance 32 00:02:30,720 --> 00:02:33,520 and business consulting career. 33 00:02:33,520 --> 00:02:37,720 Give us a thumbnail sketch of your background just so everybody can kind of go, oh man, 34 00:02:37,720 --> 00:02:39,120 I can relate to that guy. 35 00:02:39,120 --> 00:02:42,280 Robert Middleton II Oh, bless you, Robert. 36 00:02:42,280 --> 00:02:50,160 Now let's see, I was in the United States Marine Corps, you know, five years altogether, 37 00:02:50,160 --> 00:02:53,400 three years active, two years in a National Guard. 38 00:02:53,400 --> 00:02:57,720 I served during the Vietnam era. 39 00:02:57,720 --> 00:03:07,440 I was, well, I served in the Republic of Vietnam, 68-69, where I conducted, I was with the 40 00:03:07,440 --> 00:03:14,720 Fort Air Command, I was in the Fixed Wing Unit, Fort Air Command, where I coordinated 41 00:03:14,720 --> 00:03:19,360 the Fixed Wing Air strikes on enemy targets near the DMZ. 42 00:03:19,360 --> 00:03:25,520 And so I'm proud of that heritage and that background with the United States Marine Corps. 43 00:03:25,520 --> 00:03:28,320 After that, it came back to the United States. 44 00:03:28,320 --> 00:03:35,960 I attended the University of Michigan, I majored in Political Science, Public Policy 45 00:03:35,960 --> 00:03:42,080 Administration, got a background in Economics as well and Business Law. 46 00:03:42,080 --> 00:03:49,480 I went on to form a successful consulting company with the background in finance and 47 00:03:49,480 --> 00:03:50,480 financial services. 48 00:03:50,480 --> 00:03:58,360 I was a consultant for over 25 years, specializing in marketing and management. 49 00:03:58,360 --> 00:04:06,160 I provided financial services and consulting services to both the private and the non-profit 50 00:04:06,160 --> 00:04:10,920 sector, board of directors, technical assistants as well. 51 00:04:10,920 --> 00:04:12,720 And so here we are today. 52 00:04:12,720 --> 00:04:16,600 I am now retired, well, Sima retired. 53 00:04:16,600 --> 00:04:24,880 I enjoy supporting Marines, especially veterans of all military services. 54 00:04:24,880 --> 00:04:29,360 And that's what I've been doing for about 15 to 20 years now. 55 00:04:29,360 --> 00:04:34,680 Well, if you want something, give it to a busy man and you're a busy man so things get 56 00:04:34,680 --> 00:04:36,680 done. 57 00:04:36,680 --> 00:04:39,320 But let's do a little history. 58 00:04:39,320 --> 00:04:44,880 Who were the Montford Point Marines? 59 00:04:44,880 --> 00:04:51,760 The Montford Point Marines were the nation's first African Americans inducted into the 60 00:04:51,760 --> 00:04:56,960 Marine Corps in 1942. 61 00:04:56,960 --> 00:05:02,360 Before that time, there were no men of color in the ranks of the United States Marine 62 00:05:02,360 --> 00:05:03,360 Corps. 63 00:05:03,360 --> 00:05:14,440 And of course, upon being inducted, they act, Athe and I, in Washington, D.C., they were 64 00:05:14,440 --> 00:05:21,920 afforded for training to a camp called, a segregated camp called Camp Montford Point, 65 00:05:21,920 --> 00:05:27,320 New River, North Carolina, Camp of June, North Carolina. 66 00:05:27,320 --> 00:05:32,000 And that's where the name comes from and why I want to bring out this history because folks 67 00:05:32,000 --> 00:05:35,160 go, well, who are the Montford Point Marines? 68 00:05:35,160 --> 00:05:36,160 Is that a city? 69 00:05:36,160 --> 00:05:37,160 Where is that? 70 00:05:37,160 --> 00:05:43,880 And it's the camp that this first group of African Americans sworn into the Marine Corps 71 00:05:43,880 --> 00:05:50,960 were sent off to train down in, I guess it's Jacksonville, North Carolina is where it's 72 00:05:50,960 --> 00:05:51,960 at. 73 00:05:51,960 --> 00:05:57,800 So, and this all followed on the heels, if you will, of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's 74 00:05:57,800 --> 00:06:02,520 executive order to desegregate the military. 75 00:06:02,520 --> 00:06:09,080 It didn't quite work out very smoothly and certainly these Marines would have faced all 76 00:06:09,080 --> 00:06:15,080 kinds of discrimination as they went south for their training and, but ultimately prove 77 00:06:15,080 --> 00:06:17,080 themselves up, didn't they? 78 00:06:17,080 --> 00:06:18,080 Absolutely. 79 00:06:18,080 --> 00:06:21,600 That is absolutely correct, sir. 80 00:06:21,600 --> 00:06:26,680 And they were segregated. 81 00:06:26,680 --> 00:06:34,080 Although discrimination had been abolished by Franklin D. Roosevelt, some segregation 82 00:06:34,080 --> 00:06:35,080 still remains. 83 00:06:35,080 --> 00:06:45,160 And of course, in a place, if you will, where segregation, bitter racism existed and was 84 00:06:45,160 --> 00:06:49,920 very prevalent throughout their training as well, on base as well as off base. 85 00:06:49,920 --> 00:06:57,160 So no matter where they went, they were subject to bitter racism and racial segregation. 86 00:06:57,160 --> 00:06:58,160 So yeah. 87 00:06:58,160 --> 00:07:05,840 And I think it's, you know, this is particularly good that the association that you're the 88 00:07:05,840 --> 00:07:13,440 head of is keeping this history alive so that our young Marines and our young people can 89 00:07:13,440 --> 00:07:19,200 appreciate that history and see where we've come to and where we need to go. 90 00:07:19,200 --> 00:07:26,760 I don't think we could imagine today a Marine Corps that didn't have the valiant service 91 00:07:26,760 --> 00:07:29,120 of so many African Americans in it. 92 00:07:29,120 --> 00:07:31,640 It's just unimaginable, isn't it? 93 00:07:31,640 --> 00:07:32,640 Yeah. 94 00:07:32,640 --> 00:07:33,640 Yeah. 95 00:07:33,640 --> 00:07:35,520 Very much so. 96 00:07:35,520 --> 00:07:38,440 Very much so. 97 00:07:38,440 --> 00:07:40,880 It is a different Marine Corps now. 98 00:07:40,880 --> 00:07:47,600 As a matter of fact, the Marine Corps professors that the Monford Point Marines, you know, 99 00:07:47,600 --> 00:07:53,200 helped establish the Marine Corps and turn it into what it is today, you know, which 100 00:07:53,200 --> 00:08:00,480 is an integrated well oiled green machine, you know, that picks on all ethnicities and 101 00:08:00,480 --> 00:08:06,280 men of color and turns it into the most elite fighting force in the world. 102 00:08:06,280 --> 00:08:11,720 Just to give our listeners some context here, and we're talking to the National Commandant 103 00:08:11,720 --> 00:08:16,720 of the Monford Point Marines of America, Robert Middleton, just to give you some context, 104 00:08:16,720 --> 00:08:24,200 listeners, between the seven-year period of 1942 to 1949, more than 20,000 men, this 105 00:08:24,200 --> 00:08:27,160 would be African American men, were trained at Monford Point. 106 00:08:27,160 --> 00:08:34,520 So it gives you some idea of the size of the impact that this initial cohort of men coming 107 00:08:34,520 --> 00:08:40,960 forward to say, not only I want to serve, but I want to be a Marine, would have on today's 108 00:08:40,960 --> 00:08:43,560 Marine Corps. 109 00:08:43,560 --> 00:08:51,040 That was kind of recognized too, the significance of it by the awarding of a Congressional Gold 110 00:08:51,040 --> 00:08:55,680 Medal, which is a pretty big deal, Robert. 111 00:08:55,680 --> 00:08:57,840 You want to talk about that a little bit? 112 00:08:57,840 --> 00:08:59,840 Yes, of course. 113 00:08:59,840 --> 00:09:04,600 In fact, I played an integral role in helping that come about. 114 00:09:04,600 --> 00:09:12,320 I collaborated closely with the Marine Corps and the Pentagon to arrange for travel arrangements 115 00:09:12,320 --> 00:09:23,080 and lodging for those World War II Black Marines across the United States of America. 116 00:09:23,080 --> 00:09:32,560 They were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal by President Barack Obama and the 112th United 117 00:09:32,560 --> 00:09:36,800 States Congress in the year 2012. 118 00:09:36,800 --> 00:09:44,480 And at that time, there were approximately 400, 450 of those men from all over the United 119 00:09:44,480 --> 00:09:51,840 States who had come to Washington, D.C., to participate in that ceremony. 120 00:09:51,840 --> 00:09:57,600 And some of them had even checked out of hospice in order to be present for that ceremony 121 00:09:57,600 --> 00:10:00,080 that hot summer. 122 00:10:00,080 --> 00:10:08,120 It is an amazing tribute to a community when it receives the Congressional Gold Medal. 123 00:10:08,120 --> 00:10:17,680 Obviously, not lightly given off, often given off when there has been historically overlooking 124 00:10:17,680 --> 00:10:22,480 the service of various people and communities. 125 00:10:22,480 --> 00:10:27,520 And so this goes to the whole Montford Point Marines. 126 00:10:27,520 --> 00:10:30,680 Who gets the – were awarded the medals. 127 00:10:30,680 --> 00:10:40,520 We've had Congressional Gold Medals issued to Nisei Japanese Americans who were in World 128 00:10:40,520 --> 00:10:44,160 War II who got overlooked in a lot of accommodations. 129 00:10:44,160 --> 00:10:46,320 There have been other groups like that. 130 00:10:46,320 --> 00:10:55,280 But this must have been just an incredible day back in 2012 when this was awarded and 131 00:10:55,280 --> 00:10:58,000 all your hard work paid off, Robert. 132 00:10:58,000 --> 00:11:04,440 Well, I would say teamwork as opposed to my hard work. 133 00:11:04,440 --> 00:11:10,520 We certainly had the cooperation of the United States Marine Corps, various legislators in 134 00:11:10,520 --> 00:11:20,160 the United States Congress, including Miss Corrine Brown, John Boehner, Nancy Pelosi, 135 00:11:20,160 --> 00:11:22,240 and numerous others. 136 00:11:22,240 --> 00:11:31,560 So it was really a tremendous thing to see in a once in a lifetime situation, one of 137 00:11:31,560 --> 00:11:34,880 those unique parts of history. 138 00:11:34,880 --> 00:11:38,640 And it was really an honor to be a part of. 139 00:11:38,640 --> 00:11:40,280 Yeah, really something. 140 00:11:40,280 --> 00:11:47,440 I'm going to read what is the sort of organizational mission for Montford Point Marine Association. 141 00:11:47,440 --> 00:11:53,040 But after I'm done with that, I'm going to have you put some bones – flesh on these 142 00:11:53,040 --> 00:11:54,040 bones. 143 00:11:54,040 --> 00:11:58,960 The Association supports educational assistance programs, veterans programs, community services 144 00:11:58,960 --> 00:12:04,400 with an emphasis on improving the social conditions of the growing population of military veterans 145 00:12:04,400 --> 00:12:08,720 who are disabled or senior citizens. 146 00:12:08,720 --> 00:12:13,320 Almost every organization has a really good mission statement or vision statement. 147 00:12:13,320 --> 00:12:15,320 Put some flesh on the bones of that. 148 00:12:15,320 --> 00:12:19,120 Tell us what the Association's able to accomplish these days. 149 00:12:19,120 --> 00:12:28,280 Well, number one is our mission is to preserve the historical legacy of America's first 150 00:12:28,280 --> 00:12:30,200 black United States Marines. 151 00:12:30,200 --> 00:12:35,760 In fact, I wanted to add that since that time of receiving the Congressional Gold Medal, 152 00:12:35,760 --> 00:12:42,600 we continue not only to preserve their legacy, but also to seek and identify others who missed 153 00:12:42,600 --> 00:12:49,640 the opportunity to receive that award and or their family members and to make the presentation 154 00:12:49,640 --> 00:12:52,240 posthumously. 155 00:12:52,240 --> 00:13:00,400 And as a result of that, we found a number of those Marines who had not, in fact, received 156 00:13:00,400 --> 00:13:01,400 those honors. 157 00:13:01,400 --> 00:13:08,640 At our banquet, as a matter of fact, in June, we will be awarding six Congressional Gold 158 00:13:08,640 --> 00:13:13,960 Medals to designated family members of those first black United States Marines. 159 00:13:13,960 --> 00:13:15,920 So that will certainly be it. 160 00:13:15,920 --> 00:13:21,920 Oh, that's that's incredible that you're still able to find family representatives to reach 161 00:13:21,920 --> 00:13:22,920 out to. 162 00:13:22,920 --> 00:13:28,640 And as I say, it's a big deal for the community, not just the individual who Marine or family, 163 00:13:28,640 --> 00:13:32,360 but it's really a community recognition. 164 00:13:32,360 --> 00:13:33,360 So good transition. 165 00:13:33,360 --> 00:13:40,040 Let's talk about it, the annual Heritage Military Banquet and Award Ceremony is coming 166 00:13:40,040 --> 00:13:42,360 up on June 23. 167 00:13:42,360 --> 00:13:47,260 It'll be held at Burden Manor in Livonia. 168 00:13:47,260 --> 00:13:50,040 You have a very interesting program. 169 00:13:50,040 --> 00:13:55,680 Start with telling us, you just told us a little bit about the Congressional Gold Medals 170 00:13:55,680 --> 00:13:57,520 that will be handed out. 171 00:13:57,520 --> 00:14:00,520 But tell us what else is planned for that evening. 172 00:14:00,520 --> 00:14:09,720 Well, we will begin with our program. 173 00:14:09,720 --> 00:14:15,560 We have a vocalist that will be singing the Star Spangled Banner banner for us. 174 00:14:15,560 --> 00:14:22,360 We will have a 21-Den salute, posting of colors and taps, award presentations of Congressional 175 00:14:22,360 --> 00:14:25,680 Gold Medal, the Centenary Award. 176 00:14:25,680 --> 00:14:30,080 We had one of our Moffitt Point Marines is 101 years old. 177 00:14:30,080 --> 00:14:41,280 He is one of our remaining approximately 350 to 400 of those first black, original black 178 00:14:41,280 --> 00:14:44,640 Marines remaining in the United States. 179 00:14:44,640 --> 00:14:47,800 His name is Mr. Butler Mott. 180 00:14:47,800 --> 00:14:48,800 Yes. 181 00:14:48,800 --> 00:14:56,480 So he will be receiving a special Centenary Award and the Spirit of Detroit Award. 182 00:14:56,480 --> 00:15:07,640 So we have a young lady who was the first black transportation designer at the Ford Motor 183 00:15:07,640 --> 00:15:08,640 Company. 184 00:15:08,640 --> 00:15:15,160 And she, in fact, designed the 1994 Ford Mustang and Thunderbird. 185 00:15:15,160 --> 00:15:22,600 She will be receiving the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Gold Medal by a gentleman from 186 00:15:22,600 --> 00:15:27,320 California named Bill Montgomery who represents hidden pioneers. 187 00:15:27,320 --> 00:15:31,080 He will be flying in here to make that award to her. 188 00:15:31,080 --> 00:15:36,360 And of course, our keynote speaker is Major General Cornel Wilson, United States Marine 189 00:15:36,360 --> 00:15:40,160 Corps retired former director of manpower and deserve affairs. 190 00:15:40,160 --> 00:15:41,160 Okay. 191 00:15:41,160 --> 00:15:46,400 And anytime you get a two-star general to show up, it's a big deal. 192 00:15:46,400 --> 00:15:49,800 Tell us about General Wilson. 193 00:15:49,800 --> 00:15:57,640 I met General Wilson, as a matter of fact, in 2012 following the presentation of the 194 00:15:57,640 --> 00:15:59,120 Congressional Gold Medal. 195 00:15:59,120 --> 00:16:06,080 In fact, I met him and his son at the Martin Luther King Statue. 196 00:16:06,080 --> 00:16:10,360 And so we go all the way back to the year 2012. 197 00:16:10,360 --> 00:16:15,560 And we remain friends all these many years. 198 00:16:15,560 --> 00:16:23,960 And so Cornel Wilson is really an outstanding Marine at the top of his career and one of 199 00:16:23,960 --> 00:16:25,440 the best in his profession. 200 00:16:25,440 --> 00:16:30,920 And he's certainly a credit to the United States Marine Corps. 201 00:16:30,920 --> 00:16:32,400 And we honor him. 202 00:16:32,400 --> 00:16:39,240 We're talking to National Commandant Robert Middleton of the Montford Point Marines of 203 00:16:39,240 --> 00:16:42,440 America and their upcoming gala on June 23rd. 204 00:16:42,440 --> 00:16:44,680 Robert, before we run out of time here. 205 00:16:44,680 --> 00:16:45,680 Hello, folks. 206 00:16:45,680 --> 00:16:47,560 Hey, this sounds interesting. 207 00:16:47,560 --> 00:16:49,200 I should go to this. 208 00:16:49,200 --> 00:16:50,800 I should bring my uncle to this. 209 00:16:50,800 --> 00:16:53,160 I should bring my grandson to this. 210 00:16:53,160 --> 00:16:57,720 How do they find out more about the upcoming banquet and participate? 211 00:16:57,720 --> 00:16:58,720 Absolutely. 212 00:16:58,720 --> 00:17:06,120 They can go to our website at www.moffordpointmarinesamerica.org. 213 00:17:06,120 --> 00:17:14,600 They can also contact me directly at 313, our headquarters number, 300. 214 00:17:14,600 --> 00:17:17,640 0165. 215 00:17:17,640 --> 00:17:23,160 And or email me at armiddleton underscore at hotmail.com. 216 00:17:23,160 --> 00:17:28,120 Well, we think you'll have a great banquet here. 217 00:17:28,120 --> 00:17:31,040 It's clearly a wonderful program. 218 00:17:31,040 --> 00:17:39,040 It's keeping the history of these first Marines, African American Marines who went to Camp 219 00:17:39,040 --> 00:17:41,240 Montford Point alive. 220 00:17:41,240 --> 00:17:46,000 And I think that's important, as I said, for not only looking back, but looking forward. 221 00:17:46,000 --> 00:17:52,880 Robert, thank you for some time here on Veterans Radio and for all that you're doing for future 222 00:17:52,880 --> 00:17:55,000 Marines as well. 223 00:17:55,000 --> 00:17:58,360 Well, thank you very much. 224 00:17:58,360 --> 00:18:02,680 We certainly think that we have a lot to offer. 225 00:18:02,680 --> 00:18:08,080 All ages, all branches of the United States military. 226 00:18:08,080 --> 00:18:14,520 And of course, we look forward to this event on the 23rd of June, and there also will be 227 00:18:14,520 --> 00:18:15,840 entertainment and dancing. 228 00:18:15,840 --> 00:18:21,600 We want to add that into the mix as well for those who not only like to come in here, 229 00:18:21,600 --> 00:18:23,720 but also like a little activity as well. 230 00:18:23,720 --> 00:18:25,000 Yeah, and I skipped over. 231 00:18:25,000 --> 00:18:27,720 There's undoubtedly food and drink as well. 232 00:18:27,720 --> 00:18:29,920 I mean, it's a full banquet. 233 00:18:29,920 --> 00:18:32,760 Yes, yes, it will be. 234 00:18:32,760 --> 00:18:37,000 Well, again, thanks, Robert, for the time. 235 00:18:37,000 --> 00:18:38,160 You are very welcome. 236 00:18:38,160 --> 00:18:44,360 I'm very glad to have been a participant here. 237 00:18:44,360 --> 00:18:47,280 And I want to thank everybody for listening to Veterans Radio today. 238 00:18:47,280 --> 00:18:48,800 I am Jim Fossone. 239 00:18:48,800 --> 00:18:51,160 It's been a pleasure to be your host. 240 00:18:51,160 --> 00:18:55,880 I'm a Veterans Disability lawyer at Legal Help for Veterans, and you can reach us at 241 00:18:55,880 --> 00:19:03,480 800-69-348-00 or legalhelpforveterans.com on the web. 242 00:19:03,480 --> 00:19:08,600 You can follow Veterans Radio on Facebook and listen to its podcasts and internet radio 243 00:19:08,600 --> 00:19:09,680 shows. 244 00:19:09,680 --> 00:19:13,000 By visiting us at veteransradio.org. 245 00:19:13,000 --> 00:19:15,720 That's veteransradio.org. 246 00:19:15,720 --> 00:19:19,000 And until next time, you are dismissed. 247 00:19:19,000 --> 00:19:23,380 If you have a VA claim denied by the Board of Veterans Appeals, contact Legal Help for 248 00:19:23,380 --> 00:19:27,600 Veterans at 1-800-693-4800. 249 00:19:27,600 --> 00:19:31,640 They're experts in handling cases before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. 250 00:19:31,640 --> 00:19:35,560 Your number again, 1-800-693-4800. 251 00:19:35,560 --> 00:19:41,160 We again want to thank our national sponsors, the National Veterans Business Development 252 00:19:41,160 --> 00:19:50,160 Council, NVBDC.org, VA Ann Arbor Health Care System, the Vietnam Veterans of America, 253 00:19:50,160 --> 00:19:59,080 Charles S. 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