GenX Journeys

The 128th Boston Marathon took place on April 15, 2024. Your host, Paul Stroessner was in attendance for both the marathon and the expo, and this is his report.

This week's 22 Too Many veteran is

David Simpson

"My Cousin David took his own life. A few nights ago, he became one of the 22 US veterans that commit suicide daily. I know it was not always this way but it is this way now. This happens 22 times a day-people feel like I do starting 22 times a day. He was either the first or the last of the day. He said goodbye on the last day of May in the last hour in his time zone. The outcry of support was overwhelming. People know. This happens too much. He knew it happened too much.

David became medically disabled. He had PTSD and had also contracted Lyme disease during his many years in service. When he returned from service, work within his community and with his fellow veterans became his service. Many also remember him from the video below. He fought for the rights of those four legged soldiers. Now all the two legged ones need to stand up for him. Did this have to be? I don't think so.

To know how to help veterans overcome suicide, one only needs to know what a veteran who overcame suicide knew. Andrew Jones with The Ripple Effect – Helping Veterans and Families HEAL explained how he did just that. He found words in that dark place that kept him from taking his own life – familiar words "Hold your position." Hold your position, call for support. That is what a soldier does when he is in trouble. David didn't have these words in that dark place. All military personnel should be given these words upon their exit into civilian life. If David had orders in respect to his own life, he would have followed them.

David, if I could have said anything to you on that last hour in May it would have been hold your position and call for support. And if I can say anything to the 22 that are starting to die today it is just that: HOLD YOUR POSITION. Why did you not have these words David Michael Simpson? I am so sorry. I cannot stop thinking them now. Hold your position. Call for support.

There are so many people, so many mothers, so many fathers and brothers, wives, husbands…children who wish that their loved one had received this order. But instead these soldiers just come back and die on American soil from unseen injuries they received in battle. PTSD is not a permanent thought process and suicide is not a consistent thought. They need an order to follow when they think these thoughts. Let's give it to them. I ask for your help. All of you. Every single one of you reading this. To the 22 veterans today who will face this darkness alone: Hold your position, call for support. You are an American life. It is the duty of the government and its military to protect you. If you are a threat to your own life, hold your position and call for support. But I cannot say "that is an order". I am a civilian surrounded by civilians who are watching them all die. So this is just a Facebook post. They need an order to pull them back from the chaos. So give it to them. David, support was on its way. You just had to hold your position."

https://youtu.be/Cnf5QZ0rzzo?si=RGzj8JrMcyM6KSsG

Also mentioned The Frontrunner by Brad Fawley

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Inspiring Journeys can be found on:

Instagram: @InspiringJourneysPod

Facebook

Kerri can be found on

Instagram: @running_with_the_rockstar

Facebook: Every Run Has a Story

You can find The Rhode Runner in the following places:

Twitter: @TheRhodeRunner

Instagram: @TheRhodeRunner

Facebook

You can also download and subscribe to the Inspiring Journeys Podcast at:

Apple Podcasts

iHeartRadio

Spotify

On this episode, we welcome the incredible and inspirational Maurice Lowman, also known as the Marathon Panda.

Maurice had gone from hitting rock bottom on the streets of Rhode Island to living the life of High fives and positive vibes, being sober since March 12, 2015, and continuing an outdoor run streak since January 1, 2016!

The 2024 Boston Marathon will be Maurice's 42nd marathon! He also runs half marathons and ultra marathons, and every other race you can think of!

Maurice now lives an incredible life of positivity, gratitude, and hope. So come check out his story and be inspired!

Maurice can be found on Instagram at @marathonpandamaurice

You may also support Maurice's charity for the Marathon - The Herron Project

This episode is also dedicated to the 22 Too Many veteran:

James Balmonte

January 17, 1998 – January 26, 2022

Load Master 21AS assigned to the 60th Air Mobility Wing, Travis AFB

SSgt James L. Balmonte was an instructor loadmaster in the 21st Airlift Squadron assigned to the 60th Air Mobility Wing, Travis Air Force Base, California as of October 2017. James was active duty, and he was part of the direct support of Operation Freedom Sentinel and Inherent Resolve.

James was a kind soul who would brighten the day of everyone he spoke to. He would use his comedic charm, cheerfulness, and great personality to make everyone feel welcomed. He had quick wit and a great sense of humor that made him a lot of friends and made people want to be around him. He was loyal to his job, his family, his friends, and his Beeliner family. He was the first person to stand up and help out wherever it was needed. He especially loved to talk about his culture, his life in Guam, and life outside the military. James enjoyed video games and hanging out with family and friends. He loved to travel around the world and try new things like snowboarding in Tahoe.

He joined the military in order to make a difference in this world. It gave him something to focus on that he could be proud of and that would constantly challenge him. He was a dedicated person at heart and put everything he had into everything he did.

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Inspiring Journeys can be found on:

Instagram: @InspiringJourneysPod

Facebook

Kerri can be found on

Instagram: @running_with_the_rockstar

Facebook: Every Run Has a Story

You can find The Rhode Runner in the following places:

Twitter: @TheRhodeRunner

Instagram: @TheRhodeRunner

Facebook

You can also download and subscribe to the Inspiring Journeys Podcast at:

Apple Podcasts

iHeartRadio

Spotify

The Inspiring Journeys podcast is off to a hot start, featuring all incredible guests. On this episode, Kerri and Paul reflect on the resilience, power, and inspiration of each guest.

Let us know if you had any takeaways from anybody on the show so far.

Ret. NYPD Detective Andrew Liakos and SBA Member, Ret. Sgt. Edward Scali, have teamed up with their company Midnight Platoon to create a thoughtful tribute in honor of Police Officer Jonathan Diller. All profits from the shirt sales will go direct to the Diller family. In the past Midnight Platoon has raised considerable funds for the families of fallen NYPD officers. You can see the new shirts and sweatshirts created in honor of P.O. DIller at the following link: https://midnight-platoon.com/search?q=diller&options%5Bprefix%5D=last

Episode 1: Defeating Anxiety with Misty Johnson

Misty can be found at:

https://growwithmisty.com/

Facebook - Grow With Misty

Episode 2: Be Genuine with Jenn Gray

Jenn can also be found on:

Instagram: @imjenngray

TikTok: @imjenngray

LinkedIn

https://imjenngray.com/

Also, you can join Jenn's book club on Facebook

Episode 3: Integrate With Kate DeCosta

Kate can be found on:

Instagram: @integrate.with.kate

LinkedIn

https://integratewithkate.net/

Episode 4: Reclaiming Your Life with Jessica Rae

Jessica can be found:

2 accounts on Instagram: @truly.jessicarae and @digital.fierce.femmes

Inspiring Journeys can be found on:

Instagram: @InspiringJourneysPod

Facebook

Episode 5: The Joy Hour with Tom Lyman

You can find Tom at

https://www.theconsiderategroup.com/

The Joy Hour Podcast, which can also be found on all podcasting apps as well as YouTube.

Instagram: @tomthejoyhourguy

Episode 6: Project Accounted For with Eddie Scali

Eddie can be found in his Facebook group Project Accounted For and also on Instagram (@project_accounted_for)

Episode 7: Inspiring Journey of SoulFriend Yoga with Adriana Ferns

You can find Adriana at:

Instagram @SoulFriendYoga

email: adriana@soulfriendyoga

Soulfriendyoga.com – Use the code SOUL20 for 20% off

Episode 8: From Heart Attack to The Boston Marathon: The Inspiring Journey of Chris Marino

Please feel free to donate to Chris' charity #BFightsALD to help fight and bring attention to ALD.

Inspiring Journeys can be found on:

Instagram: @InspiringJourneysPod

Facebook

Kerri can be found on

Instagram: @running_with_the_rockstar

Facebook: Every Run Has a Story

You can find The Rhode Runner in the following places:

Twitter: @TheRhodeRunner

Instagram: @TheRhodeRunner

Facebook

You can also download and subscribe to the Inspiring Journeys Podcast at:

Apple Podcasts

iHeartRadio

Spotify

We welcome Chris Marino back to the show! Chris was on episodes 51 and 52 of Journey of the Rhode Runner when he ran his first Boston Marathon in 2021.

Then on December 3, 2022, while out on a run, Chris survived a widowmaker heart attack (which has a 10-20% survival rate). Not only has Chris survived, but is thriving. On April 15, 2024, Chris will be running his first Boston Marathon since his heart attack!

In addition to his heart attack, we discuss Chris' son Braden and his rare disease, Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), which prompted Chris to run the Boston Marathon to begin with. And if this was not enough to take in, 3 weeks before Chris' heart attack, his wife Katie suffered a seizure!

In this epic-sode, we dive deep into each of these events. You will be truly inspired by this incredible Marino family! While many people would buckle under any of these events, the Marino family has not only survived, but are thriving!

This episode is also dedicated to the 22 Too Many hero:

Ellis Weems

"Ellis was born in Landsthul, W. Germany on 21 June 1992 (the summer solstice). I was still in the military, and he was the joy of my life! He was raised in Harper Woods, Michigan. Ellis was my only child, and my mirror image who left this Earth far too soon. He loved life, and loved to put a smile on the faces of those who came in contact with him. He was active in soccer, baseball and an extreme skateboarder. He loved to eat – my goodness, my grocery bill stayed high when he was home! He was a free-spirit; always soaking up the information he received from others so that he can master it in his own life. I miss his smile and our conversations about life. I miss my Son every single day…15 July 2016 will be a constant reminder that the joy of my life is no longer here…" shared by his mom, Theresa

In the spring of 2017, Theresa ran a 5k in memory of Ellis at Ft. Bragg, NC. #22toomany#OurHeroes are #NeverForgotten

Please feel free to donate to Chris' charity #BFightsALD to help fight and bring attention to ALD.

Also mentioned in this episode is the mircle worker, Kate Decosta of Integrate With Kate, who helped Paul figure out a lifelong battle of mysterious headaches.

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Inspiring Journeys can be found on:

Instagram: @InspiringJourneysPod

Facebook

Kerri can be found on

Instagram: @running_with_the_rockstar

Facebook: Every Run Has a Story

You can find Adriana at:

Instagram @SoulFriendYoga

email: adriana@soulfriendyoga

Soulfriendyoga.com – Use the code SOUL20 for 20% off

You can find The Rhode Runner in the following places:

Twitter: @TheRhodeRunner

Instagram: @TheRhodeRunner

Facebook

You can also download and subscribe to the Inspiring Journeys Podcast at:

Apple Podcasts

iHeartRadio

Spotify

Adriana Ferns is not only a co-host of Inspiring Journeys, but also a partner in the female owned and run business, SoulFriend Yoga. SouldFriend has been an online business for the past 3+ years, selling well-sourced, safe materials for their yoga mats and clothes. Not only do they have great quality clothes, mats, and accessories, but they support great causes, such as At-Risk communities and animal shelters.

They were recently going to open a physical store (the weekend of this recording). Unfortunately, it fell through at the last moment. In this episode, you will hear about the setbacks and wins of a young, start-up business. Entrepreneurs will be able to relate to this episode.

And Adriana's attitude and mindset is very inspiring! So come along for the ride as great things will be happening!

Also, pay attention. You may find out how to get a super discount code, and there is a giveaway contest!

Also, today's 22 Too Many Veteran is:

Deana Orellana

Shared by her sister, Robin: "We lost Deana to a PTSD-related suicide on March 4, 2016. We didn't even know about her diagnosis. My sister was one of the funniest and strongest women I ever knew. From a very young age, she always excelled at athletics. Her success in soccer came from her love of the game, hard work, and perseverance. Deana never failed at anything she put her mind to. She was a fun-loving and caring daughter, aunt, sister, and friend. She was an amazing scholar. She was an outstanding Marine and had recently found her calling to share her love of health and fitness with others. Deana was so brave. She served on one of the first Female Engagement Teams (FET) in OEF (Operation Enduring Freedom – Afghanistan). She never shared what she saw and went through over there. She only said it forever changed her. Although Deana's passing is tragic, my family is trying to raise PTSD and suicide awareness by sharing her story and keeping her memory alive." Resting Place: Sacred Heart Cemetery, Monongahela, PA Deana home state is Pennsylvania and her last residence was North Carolina #22toomany #OurHeroes are #NeverForgotten

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Inspiring Journeys can be found on:

Instagram: @InspiringJourneysPod

Facebook

Kerri can be found on

Instagram: @running_with_the_rockstar

Facebook: Every Run Has a Story

You can find Adriana at:

Instagram @SoulFriendYoga

email: adriana@soulfriendyoga

Soulfriendyoga.com – Use the code SOUL20 for 20% off

You can find The Rhode Runner in the following places:

Twitter: @TheRhodeRunner

Instagram: @TheRhodeRunner

Facebook

You can also download and subscribe to the Inspiring Journeys Podcast at:

Apple Podcasts

iHeartRadio

Spotify

We have another exciting episode this week as Kerri and Paul welcome Eddie Scali to the show. Eddie was a New York volunteer firefighter, then went on to an impactful 21 year career as an NYPD officer.

These days, Eddie is a warrior for mental wellness for both first responders and the general population. He started a private law enforcement online community where people can lean on each other in times of need. This led him to the amazing Project Accounted For community, which is open to everybody.

We talk to the charismatic Eddie about is experience as a volunteer firefighter at the time of the 9/11 terror attacks, his time in law enforcement, And we gain a whole new perspective of what first responders have to deal with several times a day, and how they cope with the pressure.

Eddie truly is inspiring, and is making the world a better place by building some incredible communities.

Also, we kick it a little old school, Rhode Runner style, as Eddie talks about signing up for the Long Island Half Marathon, which is taking place on May 5, 2024. He is doing this in support of the amazing organization, P.S. I Love You Day, which is a registered non-profit organization in New York State, dedicated to eradicating the stigma around mental health.

Also, today's 22 Too Many Veteran is:

Cody Hooks

USAF 802nd Security Forces Squadron Lackland AFB from his mom: "My son, Cody, was loved by all who knew him; he never met a stranger. Cody always had a desire to serve in the military since he was little; he was involved all 4 years of High school in the ROTC program, where his Senior year made the highest rank as Captain. Upon graduating high school he joined the USAF and served from 2010-2013. Cody deployed to Kuwait in 2011. Cody loved spending time with family and friends. I will never understand why this happened but will forever keep his memory alive and try to help other families cope with the loss of a child. I have joined TAPS and they have helped me understand more about military suicides, I hope one day the number will be 0 and not 22+.

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Other mentions include DeemedFit Clothing, who's proceeds also go to P.S. I Love You Day.

New York Smoking Shields

Eddie can be found in his Facebook group Project Accounted For and also on Instagram (@project_accounted_for)

Inspiring Journeys can be found on:

Instagram: @InspiringJourneysPod

Facebook

Kerri can be found on

Instagram: @running_with_the_rockstar

Facebook: Every Run Has a Story

You can find Adriana at:

Instagram @SoulFriendYoga

email: adriana@soulfriendyoga

Soulfriendyoga.com – Use the code SOUL20 for 20% off

You can find The Rhode Runner in the following places:

Twitter: @TheRhodeRunner

Instagram: @TheRhodeRunner

Facebook

You can also download and subscribe to the Inspiring Journeys Podcast at:

Apple Podcasts

iHeartRadio

Spotify

Brace yourselves for a powerful episode! At the time of this recording, Tom Lyman has been sober for 26 months, and has started the massively growing non-profit organization, The Considerate Group.

Tom gets very vulnerable with us, talking about his dark days, going on the verge of losing everything, and rising out of the ashes to starting Joy Hour and The Considerate Group.

The aim of The Considerate Group is to create a culture of connection, providing a space of connection, healing, recovery and support. In addition of support classes and workshops, the centerpiece is organization is Joy Hour. What started as a group of 30 people gathering together for family fun, games, and activities, grew to over 200 people within a few weeks, and has been multiplying ever since. In just over 70 Joy Hour events, over 10,000 different people have attended!

And if that was not enough, Tom has created The Joy Hour Podcast, where Tom interviews guests about hope, resilience, healing, and transformation.

Tune in to hear about Tom's incredible transformation and inspiring journey!

You can find Tom at

https://www.theconsiderategroup.com/

The Joy Hour Podcast, which can also be found on all podcasting apps as well as YouTube.

Instagram: @tomthejoyhourguy

Inspiring Journeys can be found on:

Instagram: @InspiringJourneysPod

Facebook

Kerri can be found on

Instagram: @running_with_the_rockstar

Facebook: Every Run Has a Story

You can find Adriana at:

Instagram @SoulFriendYoga

email: adriana@soulfriendyoga

Soulfriendyoga.com – Use the code SOUL20 for 20% off

You can find The Rhode Runner in the following places:

Twitter: @TheRhodeRunner

Instagram: @TheRhodeRunner

Facebook

You can also download and subscribe to the Inspiring Journeys Podcast at:

Apple Podcasts

iHeartRadio

Spotify

Today we welcome the amazing Jessica Rae to the show! Jessica is a mentor/coach, author, creator, and speaker who helps women, especially single moms, break free and reclaim their life and independence. She is able to do this through the lessons she learned from her own experiences, which includes past toxic relationships and a scammer. Jessica not only survived, but has thrived, and is able to continue to be an awesome mom, and help others.

Jessica can be found:

2 accounts on Instagram: @truly.jessicarae and @digital.fierce.femmes

Inspiring Journeys can be found on:

Instagram: @InspiringJourneysPod

Facebook

Kerri can be found on

Instagram: @running_with_the_rockstar

Facebook: Every Run Has a Story

You can find Adriana at:

Instagram @SoulFriendYoga

email: adriana@soulfriendyoga

Soulfriendyoga.com – Use the code SOUL20 for 20% off

You can find The Rhode Runner in the following places:

Twitter: @TheRhodeRunner

Instagram: @TheRhodeRunner

Facebook

You can also download and subscribe to the Inspiring Journeys Podcast at:

Apple Podcasts

iHeartRadio

Spotify

Today's guest, Kate DeCosta, is on an inspiring journey. Kate was having some major health issues that doctors couldn't figure out. But that wasn't going to stop her! Kate's passion for health led her on a path of over a decade of researching and studying different symptoms, ailments, and treatments which led her to go to school at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.

Kate is now a certified health coach. If you are struggling with your physical or mental health, and know that you need to make changes, but don't know where to begin, Kate is here to facilitate your healing using a holistic approach that integrates your mind, body, and soul.

Kate can be found on:

Instagram: @integrate.with.kate

LinkedIn

https://integratewithkate.net/

Kerri can be found on

Instagram: @running_with_the_rockstar

Facebook: Every Run Has a Story

You can find Adriana at:

Instagram @SoulFriendYoga

email: adriana@soulfriendyoga

Soulfriendyoga.com – Use the code SOUL20 for 20% off

You can find The Rhode Runner in the following places:

Twitter: @TheRhodeRunner

Instagram: @TheRhodeRunner

Facebook

You can follow Inspiring Journeys on:

Instagram: @InspiringJourneysPod

Facebook

You can also download and subscribe to the Inspiring Journeys Podcast at:

Apple Podcasts

iHeartRadio

Spotify

I hope you're all ready to be fired up and inspired today! Kerri and Paul welcome Jenn Gray to the show. Jenn has been on an adventerous and inspiring life journey. She is the proud single mom of 4 children, and an entreprenuer.

On this episode, Jenn gets vulnerable as we dive into her challenges as she has transformed her life by being her genuine, authentic self.

Despite what we see on social media, everybody has challenges to overcome. But we don't have to do it alone. So lets join our friend Jenn, and overcome our challenges together.

Today's 22 Too Many veteran is

Christopher Cooper

Jenn hosts the podcast, Be Genuine with Jenn, which can be found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and any other podcasting platform, including YouTube.

Jenn can also be found on:

Instagram: @imjenngray

TikTok: @imjenngray

LinkedIn

https://imjenngray.com/

Also, you can join Jenn's book club on Facebook

Kerri can be found on

Instagram: @running_with_the_rockstar

Facebook: Every Run Has a Story

You can find Adriana at:

Instagram @SoulFriendYoga

email: adriana@soulfriendyoga

Soulfriendyoga.com – Use the code SOUL20 for 20% off

You can find The Rhode Runner in the following places:

Twitter: @TheRhodeRunner

Instagram: @TheRhodeRunner

Facebook

You can follow Inspiring Journeys on:

Instagram: @InspiringJourneysPod

Facebook

You can also download and subscribe to the Inspiring Journeys Podcast at:

Apple Podcasts

iHeartRadio

Spotify