Guests - Tom Rempfer, Betsy Smith, Jennifer Clark, Brett Mecum

Celebrating the Apache Helicopter's Legacy

Welcome to Winn Tucson. We've made it to Friday, and I'm thrilled about it. Today, we're updating on past topics and more. I want to thank Dave and Betsy Smith for filling in yesterday. Later, I'll discuss the 50th anniversary of the Apache helicopter's first flight, which I attended with our governor, Congressman Biggs, Congressman Stanton, state legislators, the mayor of Mesa, and about a thousand others. It was a wonderful, military-focused day. My husband was there at the first flight when he was 29, working as an engineer for Avscom. He had no idea he'd later become vice president of the program. The Apache remains viable after 50 years, with ongoing modernizations. It supports 5,000 jobs in Arizona at the plant alone, plus economic ripple effects. More importantly, it saves lives.

Advocating for Military Justice: A Conversation with Retired Colonel Tom Rempfer

My first guest is retired Colonel Tom "Buzz" Rempfer, who's fought for those refusing the COVID and anthrax vaccines. Colonel Rempfer, welcome back.

"Thanks, Kathleen. And congratulations on the Apache ceremonies."

I had little to do but support the key players. These military members signed up to protect the country but weren't treated well. What's changed since President Trump took over?

"The good news is President Trump was the first to listen to concerns about illegal medical mandates. In 2018, he tried to correct anthrax injustices. For 25 years, I've maintained the anthrax mandate was illegal, vindicated by federal courts. We seek zero-cost record corrections and new honorable discharge certificates. They've done this for COVID injustices, acknowledging the prior administration's mandates were unlawful. Federal courts affirmed anthrax illegality 28 years ago. I testified to Congress then, exposing the sordid history. The government knew mandating it was illegal, leading to court rulings."

The Trump administration tried corrections in 2018 but was undermined. Only a handful, mainly Marines, were fixed. Other services delayed. My message: Finish the business, building on COVID precedents. Despite deep state obstruction, corrections are happening. They're planning an after-action report and task force for COVID lessons, hopefully applying anthrax ones too.

If they'd learned from anthrax, COVID might've been avoided. It's redundant.

For non-military listeners, correcting records means fixing punitive discharges like dishonorable or bad conduct on DD-214 forms for refusing anthrax. Reviewed cases upgraded to honorable, crucial for civilian jobs. The government broke the law, violating health rights, so they must fix it. Zero cost—just print certificates. The 2003 NDAA required tracking separations; use that list.

The Trump administration ordered fixes in 2018 via DoD memo, but no outreach or publication—like a cover-up.

These members made medical decisions on unproven vaccines. With anthrax, DoD knew it was unlicensed by FDA, halted in 2003 by injunction: "You will not treat soldiers as guinea pigs." Uncontested case; government paid legal fees but didn't remedy troops.

For COVID, they're admitting unlawful implementation, offering reinstatements and back pay. Slight distinction: Anthrax was patently illegal (unapproved product); COVID mandated unapproved EUA products despite requiring approved ones. Both unlawful—do right for both, per 2018 precedent.

Over a thousand anthrax troops need corrections; many more coerced out. Zero cost for bad paper discharges. White House directed it in 2018; DoD undermined. In 2001, Bush nearly stopped it, but anthrax letters distracted—false flag, insider event per FBI, motive to save failing program. Suppressed oversight for 10 years.

Program started under Clinton; Bush tried righting it until letters; Trump tried until investigations. Precedents like radiation testing, Agent Orange. Never too late, zero cost.

Existing rulings make it simple: Correct records, honor service. As Veterans Week and military anniversaries approach, right this wrong. Shows restoring order.

It's equitable—COVID corrections happening. But unfinished business: Presidents Bush and Trump directed fixes; deep state blocked. Compile list per 10 USC 1178. Precedent in Don't Ask, Don't Tell: 800 proactive upgrades.

Barriers? Embarrassment over dereliction; ego against reopening "anthrax can of worms." Put ego aside; do jobs.

You've been unrelenting. I wrote Unyielding documenting patterns, tribute to late colleague Lt. Col. Russ Dingle; proceeds to his widow Jane. Hope administration learns, tells officials to act—Trump directed it seven years ago.

If aware, Pete Hegseth would order it, honoring military. White House directed in 2018; Pentagon lawyers confirmed. Deceiving if pushback. Trump sets precedents for troops.

I'll save this interview, send to contacts. Time to fight for those serving us.

Political Turbulence and Government Priorities: Insights from Betsy Smith

Betsy Brantner Smith joins. Thanks for filling in yesterday.

"I love that song—'Everything She Wants.'"

Your husband gives you everything wisely. On my way in, I mentioned being with Congressmen Stanton and Ciscomani, our governor at the Apache event. You shared about congressmen on a plane—like Snakes on a Plane.

"This was Tuesday; Congressmen Biggs, Crane, Gosar, Stanton flew to DC for the continuing resolution vote. They had Democrat votes, but Stanton brags he didn't vote for it, wanting health care for all—including illegals.

In-flight, a woman was disruptive after nearly three hours. Pilot diverted to Kansas City, Missouri. Two large officers escorted her off professionally. She looked like an angry vegan liberal: 'Sorry folks, we live in a fascist state.'

We don't; she'd be disappeared in one. Stanton social-media'd, seeming on her side: 'She's probably one of his constituents.' He said Freedom Caucus is losing mojo.

They proceeded to DC; Stanton voted to shut government—after swearing in Gallego. Democrats opened for her, then shut it. She's proud on Epstein transparency—confident Republicans want it.

This contrasts: Same people obstructing military record corrections from Trump's directive, court-ordered since Bush. Over a thousand less-than-honorably discharged for anthrax refusal; entitled to back pay, benefits.

Lack of boundaries: Selfish disruption on plane—people might be en route to funerals, sick loved ones.

Stanton was Phoenix mayor 2012-2018, when it began failing. Republicans went to do business, reopened government.

Liberals angry: Riot in Broadview, Illinois, skirmishing with state police—upset crime's down in Chicago. Home values up, fewer funerals, rid criminal elements.

Protesters from suburbs or paid/fly-ins. Illinois State Police doing great despite Pritzker.

Peaceful protest fine, but lines crossed. Selfish woman thought her view trumped all.

Stanton wants resolution failing to lower costs—lie. They had power, didn't act. It's $1.4 trillion money laundering for 2026 elections. Democrats cash-strapped after Harris's billion in 107 days. Blue cities mismanage money; Hochul pushing back on Adams pre-oath, despite endorsement. Smoke and mirrors.

You've earned a great weekend. Thanks for laughs about congressmen on a plane.

Empowering Education Choices: A Discussion with Jennifer Clark

Jennifer Clark helps parents navigate education. Welcome back.

"It's great to be here."

Arizona's Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program grows wildly popular. By year-end, likely 100,000 families benefiting—signals success since universal in 2022. Allows every family education dollars for fitting schools. Attracts education entrepreneurs, startups; Arizona's options best nationwide.

Started under Ducey; national model. At 96,400; more parents seeking input due to hiccups.

ESA formula-funded: 90% state per-student funding. For disabilities like autism, around $30,000/year. Families choose environments, tutors, therapists—empowering, removes IEP fights.

We provide personalized support at loveyourschool.org—free navigation for concerns like reading proficiency, diagnoses.

Tutoring, services part of program. My kids used dyslexia tutors, online programs during home education; now hybrid school. Removes bureaucracy for gifted or needing support.

57.3% new 2025 joiners are public school switchers—nearly 60%. Addresses critique: Not just affluent/private families; no income test for public schools either. Switchers show families opting for alternatives.

Great sign: Free markets unbundle system, give parents control—better products. Public schools compete, like with charters, open enrollment. Needed amid reading crisis.

Third-grade proficiency determines much; device-driven issue—phones dictate, reduce reading. Kids need brain exercise.

ESAs help: Empower not letting kids slip. Public evaluations take months (15 days response, 60 completion). ESA: Immediate tutors, remediation.

Don't wait; post-third grade harder. Gut instinct over "developmentally appropriate." Request evaluation—federal law requires districts evaluate all kids free, even home/private.

Actions: Have child read to you—eye-opener. Online programs like Reading Eggs, Mentava—10 minutes helps.

Pre-school: Read to kids, but encourage reading back. Sounds over letters key. Book: Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons—blends sounds.

Three kids with dyslexia: Trial by fire; now teach reading.

ESA gold standard: 2011 limited (military, disabilities); universal 2022—no income/zip barriers. K-12 apply year-round; use for private, micro, home; return anytime.

50% funds for private schools—majority. Critique: Too many homeschoolers, unknown taught—homeschoolers phenomenal. Hope more private options, secular/faith-based.

Contact: Loveyourschool.org intake form (24-hour response); resources tab—guides on evaluations, special ed, dyslexia, autism. Email: hello@loveyourschool.org.

Now great assessment time post-fall break. Don't wait—if concerned, act today. One step; we're here.

Thanks for commitment to parents, kids. Arizona resources for smartest state via ESAs.

Arizona's Space Frontier: Perspectives from Brett Mecum

Brett Mecum, Arizona Space Commission chairman. Congratulations.

"Good to talk, Kathleen."

Yesterday's Mars launch exciting. Blue Origin (Phoenix engineering office) launched, recovered booster—second after SpaceX. Escapade mission: $80 million—cheap for NASA. Commercial partners reduce costs for science.

Reusable rockets game-changer. Musk: Past like scrapping 747 post-flight. New commercial era.

Jeff Bezos founded Blue Origin; Musk congratulated despite competition. Free markets drive it, not government.

Travel time: 3-6 months to Mars, depending orbits. New propulsion to speed up.

Thrilled private sector jumpstarted innovation, launch costs down. Falcon 9: $60-80 million; Starship potentially $10/kilogram.

Arizona: Phantom Space in Tucson—Jim Cantrell (helped found SpaceX) wants Henry Ford of rocketry; small launches.

Appointed 2024; legislation I worked on, broad support. Modeled Texas/Space Florida. Wilmeth sponsored; signed. Speaker Toma appointed; commission named chairman August.

Steve Zylstra on commission; Arizona Tech Council.

Space shelved; resurgence exciting. Childhood moon landings, Apollo mystical.

Arizona: Many space companies; ingredients for more. Military skills translate—five bases, primes like Boeing, Raytheon, Honeywell, Northrop.

Startups encouraged. Virgin Galactic (Mesa complex)—Lisa Morris on commission; builds Delta-class spaceships.

Blackstar Orbital (from Florida)—space drones at Sierra Vista; launch up, land like plane. David Bowen involved.

Paragon Space Development (Tucson)—environmental systems for ISS; Axiom partnerships. Grant Anderson on commission.

Entry: Space needs all—engineering not required. Universities: ASU, UA, Embry-Riddle space programs. Thunderbird: Space business degree (MBA equivalent). UCF similar.

Government relations needed too.

Commission goals: In ACA—commercial focus, not regulatory. Strategy document to legislature by Dec. 31, 2025.

Develop Arizona's space identity—not Texas/Florida. Regional with New Mexico—stronger against California/Texas. International: Luxembourg partnerships.

Show open for business; encourage companies.

Test flights ideal: Weather, climate, arid land.

Tucson: Tech with Davis-Monthan; Sierra Vista proximity.

Military/vets: Skills transfer—great fit.

Yuma: Permitting inland vertical spaceport—first. FAA doesn't allow yet; working. Pride if done—country has four vertical sites; congested, reroutes air traffic.

Exciting; we'll discuss more.