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KZSM — Programming for those who serve

Sunday, May 31, 2020

We at KZSM continue to serve the community with live “COVID-19 News Specials,” now broadcast at noon Mondays and Fridays. Mondays 3-4 p.m., another live show serves the community with information and commentary: “Diesel” Dee Bartlett and “Steady” Steve Jones host “The Veterans Hour,” dedicated to “those who serve and those who serve those who serve.”

Bartlett served seven years in the Army as a journalist; Jones was a medical technician in the Air Force for five years. As he describes it, “it's mostly Dee doing the content while I turn the knobs and keep the schedule. She likes to say that she is COM (communication) and I am NAV (navigation).”

Bartlett’s nickname reflects her enthusiastic presence and fast delivery. She says, “I think it’s important to try and bridge the gap between the civilian population and veterans. I had a difficult time reacclimating to the civilian sector because I didn’t know where the support was supposed to be coming from. When I realized I wasn’t the only one with those struggles, I started working to meet those needs. And many of those needs are met by just connecting the resources to the veteran”.

As Jones points out, “there's a mountain of info that can be overwhelming. Dee researches various groups to find out what they do, how they help, and what kind of reputation they have. We help veterans and their families navigate those waters.” Together, the two hosts provide valuable information through an hour of relaxed conversation, often taking a light-hearted look at serious topics.

“The Veterans Hour” began as “Talk to Doc,” hosted by former Navy Corpsman Gene Randall. Bartlett, a singer/songwriter involved with the Soldiers Songs and Voices program, began as a guest on that show and quickly became a co-host because “I love to run my mouth.”

She sums up their mission: “I can’t think of anything more satisfying than helping someone who is struggling get to a better place. Hopefully we’re doing something to help bridge that veteran gap in the community.”

“The Veterans Hour” is rebroadcast at 4 a.m. Wednesday and 2 p.m. Thursday.

Like all our staff, Bartlett and Jones donate their time to the station. Volunteers sustain our programming, but space and equipment cost money, and KZSM. org is a self-supporting non-profit. To help sustain our programming, find the “donate” button on our website, KZSM.org. Tune in, stay in, help out.

San Marcos Record

(512) 392-2458
P.O. Box 1109, San Marcos, TX 78666