Guests - Michael Pack, Pam Neal, Cheryl Caswell
Michael Pack Discusses "The Last 600 Meters" and America's Military Challenges
Filmmaker Michael Pack joined Kathleen Winn to reflect on his documentary The Last 600 Meters, which chronicles two pivotal battles of the Iraq War in Najaf and Fallujah. Pack shared positive reception from screenings, including a moving reunion in Washington, D.C., just before Veterans Day.
Veterans featured in the film attended the event, many seeing each other for the first time in over a decade. "They are still bonded," Pack said. "In some ways closer to each other than their family... they've gone through a life-or-death experience together. It was like they were back in Fallujah."
The soldiers expressed deep appreciation for the film, which Pack believes honors their service. Executive producer Steve Bannon, a naval veteran himself, attended but refused to join the stage for Q&A. "He felt that if he came to the stage, all the questions would be about him and about politics," Pack explained. "He did not want to take the limelight away from the veterans."
A New York Times review called the film "riveting" but drew criticism from Pack for focusing on minor points rather than the veterans' accounts. The review questioned statements from soldiers like Major Stevenson and Jesse Grapes, suggesting they lacked context or clarity—claims Pack dismissed as odd and misplaced.
Winn expressed enthusiasm for hosting a screening in Arizona, noting the state's large veteran community and inviting Pack (and potentially Bannon) to attend.
Current State of the U.S. Military and Border Security
The conversation shifted to broader national security concerns. Winn argued the U.S. military has been weakened over the past four years but is now being rebuilt under new leadership. Pack agreed, emphasizing the need for fundamental reforms.
"The Pentagon procurement process is broken," Pack said, citing cost-plus contracts with no incentives for efficiency and decades-long development timelines for new technology. He highlighted vulnerabilities in large systems easily countered by inexpensive drones.
Both expressed alarm over China's rapid military expansion and involvement in the global drug trade, particularly fentanyl precursors shipped through Latin America. "They want to destroy the next generation of Americans," Winn stated. Pack concurred: "China is very involved... for the reasons that you said."
Pack drew inspiration from his documentary on Admiral Hyman Rickover, who built nuclear-powered submarines far ahead of schedule by cutting through bureaucracy. He believes similar innovation—harnessing American technological talent—can modernize defense.
Winn shared her husband's role in developing the Apache helicopter, noting a decade of on-time, under-budget production from 2000 to 2010—an anomaly in defense contracting. Recent funding secured through bipartisan efforts in Arizona has extended the Apache's service life, underscoring the need for smart, adaptive military investment.
On border security, Pack supported aggressive action against drug trafficking cartels. "It is to Donald Trump's credit that he's focused attention on that threat in a way no one else has before," he said.
Healing Through Storytelling and Honoring Veterans
Winn emphasized the lasting impact of combat on service members. Veterans from Najaf and Fallujah carry experiences few civilians can understand, often remaining silent about their trauma. Reunions facilitated by the film provided healing, as bonds forged in battle remain profound.
Pack's other works, including Created Equal on Clarence Thomas and Rickover: The Birth of Nuclear Power, reflect his commitment to preserving critical historical narratives. Winn stressed the importance of learning from past conflicts to avoid repeating mistakes in an increasingly dangerous world.
American Heart Association's Mission to Equip Southern Arizona Schools
Pam Neal, chair of the 2026 Southern Arizona Heart and Stroke Ball, discussed efforts to provide CPR kits, training, and AED machines to schools across six counties: Pima, Cochise, Santa Cruz, Yuma, Greenlee, and Graham.
Currently, 94% of schools lack proper equipment and training. "If a student goes down on an athletic field... that student will die" without immediate access, Neal warned. New state and federal laws mandate AEDs but provided no funding.
The February 7, 2026, event at Westin La Paloma aims to raise $2 million to equip all remaining schools. To date, nearly $860,000 has been raised. Sponsorships, ticket sales, and auction items are still needed.
A $10,000 table sponsorship funds a full CPR kit and training for one school, with the sponsor's name displayed. Individuals can designate specific schools. Recent presentations at Sunnyside School District and Calvary Christian School were met with gratitude.
Students engage enthusiastically during training. Neal, motivated by her husband Daniel's sudden death from a "widowmaker" heart attack in March 2024, stressed the life-saving potential: "You want to have it and never have to use it. But you want to have it in case you do."
For tickets, sponsorships, or donations: www.heart.org/soazhb.
Cheryl Caswell Launches Campaign in Legislative District 19
Cheryl Caswell, Republican candidate for Arizona House in LD19, announced she has already doubled the required petition signatures months ahead of the April 2026 deadline.
Spanning five counties from Pima to the New Mexico line, LD19 voters consistently raise concerns about border security, rising crime linked to fentanyl, homelessness, and election integrity.
"They're concerned about the same things we've been talking about for a couple of elections now," Caswell said. Voters question the growth of federal-only ballots and want clearer processes and stronger safeguards.
Caswell supports efforts to update the Election Procedures Manual to align with statute and restore observer access in Pima County—the only county in Arizona that prohibits it. "If it's not prohibited by law, we as a free people should have the right," she asserted.
She praised Pima County Republicans for pushing the issue and expressed hope for legislative solutions in the upcoming session.
More information: caswell4arizona19.com.
Opposition to Propositions 418 and 419
The Regional Transportation Authority's 20-year half-cent sales tax, approved in 2006, expires in June 2026. Propositions 418 and 419 seek to extend it indefinitely to fund a new $2.67 billion plan—despite $262 million needed just to complete unfinished original projects.
Over $1.7 billion has been collected, yet major roadway corridors remain delayed or incomplete due to mismanagement and cost overruns. Administrative costs, including a $356,000 salary for the new executive director, have drawn scrutiny.
The plan expands funding for Sun Tran, which has operated fare-free since 2020, correlating with thousands of safety incidents involving drugs and violence.
Winn called the propositions a "blank check" for proven failure. "They had 20 years to get it right. They are $262 million upside down." Voting no would allow the tax to expire, potentially lowering sales taxes while demanding accountability.
Other Notable Developments
Mike Lindell announced his candidacy for Minnesota governor, citing fraud in state programs under Governor Tim Walz and pledging to address addiction, homelessness, and government waste.
Homeland Security refuted newly sworn Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva's claim of being pepper-sprayed during ICE raids on Tucson-area restaurants linked to human trafficking and labor exploitation. Agents faced violence, including assaults and slashed tires. Grijalva's actions impeded operations and spread false information, drawing sharp criticism for siding with criminal elements over law enforcement.