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The Man With a Star Spangled Life
By Thomas D. Segel May 2, 2002

In Branson, Missouri, patriotism is everywhere. In this small corner of our nation's heartland, called by many..."The Most Patriotic Town in America". there also resides an individual who many would call..."The Most Patriotic Man in America".

Michael J. Radford, called Mike by all, is an entertainer and a motivational speaker. More importantly, he has dedicated his life to God, family and country. His proud affection for the American Flag and the men and women who fought for the preservation of that banner has become as contagious as a virus. Mike has made it possible for people across this land to once again view patriotism as a meaningful part of their lives. Because of his dedication to this single objective, Generals, Admirals, Governors, Members of Congress and the State Legislature of Missouri have named him America's "Official" Ambassador of Patriotism.

Mike Radford was also a special advisor to both the President Reagan and Bush administrations, working with the Justice Department, the FBI, the DEA and the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. He was named by Senator Bob Dole to work on fund raising for the World War II Memorial. Just one year ago he was given the True American Hero Award by the Retired Officers Association. He has recently participated in the national convention of the Uniformed Services Disabled Retirees and has accepted an appointment as their official natioal spokesman.

For ten months each year, assisted by wife Shari and several friends, he performs five shows a week from the Branson stage of his own theater. His "Remember When Show" has continuously played to enthusiastic audiences who find the mix of nostalgia, humor, faith and patriotism a joyful experience. The presentations are so powerful the show is consistently named "Branson's Best".

A by-product of his Remember When Show is the huge collection of nostalgic and patriotic memorabilia sent to him over the years. Hundreds of veterans and retired military personnel have sent Mike photos, medals and other artifacts, which mark their days in uniform. A "Hall of Heroes" was created around the lobby walls of the theater, which allowed the permanent display of these special remembrances. Soon that space was filled to capacity. The Radford's, also operate the patriotic themed Veterans Cafe, R & R Bar and Canteen in Branson's Radisson Hotel This locale has been used to expand the "Hall of Heroes" into a new arena. Now hundreds upon hundreds of photos and artifacts fill the hallways and walls in and around these establishments.

There is another important aspect of Mike Radford's makeup. He insists that every veteran and member of the armed forces be recognized and honored as a hero.

This passion of patriotism felt by Mike Radford was born of an evolutional process. "I was raised in deep faith and to believe we were all put on earth for a reason", he says. "Each child has a God given destiny."

But, his destiny was a long time coming. Mike was completing college during the early days of the Vietnam War. A star baseball player, he was about to sign with the Boston Red Sox and thought he was on his way. "I was so unsophisticated in those days, that when I received a telegram from the President of the United States, which started out 'Greetings', I thought he was congratulating me on becoming a professional baseball player", he laments. It wasn't long before he really was playing baseball, but his team was the United States Army.

At about this same time, Tim, his best friend and adopted brother, entered the Navy and became a member of a Search Air Rescue crew. His days were filled with heroic rescues of pilots and crew shot down or forced to crash in Vietnamese waters. One day, however, the crash was Tim's aircraft. Barely alive, his broken body was pulled from the wreckage. Tim was still alive, but sentenced to a wheelchair for the remainder of his life. He was so traumatically impacted by his situation and the constant pain, that he never left his room for the next twelve years.

As these things were happening to Tim, another life was being shaped. Mike finished his Army tour of duty in Germany, never hearing the sounds of war. He was signed to professional baseball as a short stop for the Kansas City Royals. When asked how long he played, the laughing reply is usually, "it was a VERY short stop. He was out of uniform by the end of spring training. There was then a stint as a flight instructor; some success in the television industry and no great satisfaction felt about anything. Things were about to change.

It was the end of his twelfth year of withdrawal and pain when Tim had what he truly believes was a celestial visitation. The room, which had been his self-imposed prison, became bathed in a bright light. Tim believes he was transported to the foot of the cross and learned true suffering and pain...as he experienced what Jesus endured at the crucifixion. When he returned from that experience, his world was changed. He opened the door of his room... and started to live again.

Mike Radford was returning from a speaking engagement that day in 1993 when he observed a white van in front of him. He was close enough to read the words printed on a spare tire cover. As he read those hand-lettered words, he felt a chill pass over him...."The men and women who served and died for our country must NEVER be forgotten." He says, "I smiled and gave a thumbs-up gesture and began to pull ahead. What happened next was the turning point, the exact moment that changed my life forever. The white haired veteran rolled down his window, stuck his arm out, pointed toward heaven then covered his heart and pointed directly back at me." At that moment, Mike knew he had to dedicate his life to telling the story of those men and women who saved America and the world.

Nobody has been able to explain why that incident had such impact. There have even been visits members of the clergy. Never...has a single person reported seeing a white van with those words written on the spare tire cover. However, many have suggested Mike may have incountered a heavenly messenger.

He started his new life's work by writing "Remember When" as a television documentary. It was soon rewritten for the stage. The move to Branson came next.... And a change from the high living life of the television industry to one of struggle. At the low point he and Shari even had to rely on their church to put food in their mouths.

"The Remember When Show" became the anchor production which brought thousands upon thousands of people in contact with Mike and his message. He also continues to talk about Tim and his renewal of Faith. Even his theater is utilized each Sunday, to bring nondenominational services to the community.

When asked if there isn't some of the "There but for the Grace of God go I" feeling in his relationship with his adopted brother, Mike readily admits Tim is a continuing motivator who assures he will never falter in his message of love for both God and country.

Toward the end of his life, the great statesman Adlai Stevenson said, "patriotism is not a short frenzied outburst of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime." Mike Radford's dedication would more than meet the Stevenson criteria, for he is truly the man with a star spangled life.