Oscar Mike Radio

In this special episode of Oscar Mike Radio, Travis welcomes Tommy Duquette, co-founder of Fight Camp, to discuss the transformative power of boxing.

Tommy comes from a family of elite boxers. He is a four-time New England Champion, a three-time Northeast Regional Champion, the 2004 Ringside Gold Medalist, and, from 2010 to 2012, a member of the U.S. National Team. After boxing, he got a degree from Babson College and discussed how he co-founded the Fight Camp Platform.

Fight Camp is a technology-driven boxing training platform. The episode highlights the platform's impact on users, particularly veterans and first responders, and its community-driven approach.

I shared my journey with Tommy, including recovering from a significant injury and returning to competitive weightlifting. This was key because I am looking to increase my physical fitness and work capacity to get back to where I was before my quadricep rupture.

Tommy emphasizes the importance of commitment, personal growth, and the supportive nature of the Fight Camp community. In many ways, Fight Camp resonates with Veterans because we had to operate at a high level to complete the mission when we were serving.

I found the Fight Camp community welcoming to Veterans. I will be chronicling my journey as I get ready for the 2025 Howard Cohen American Masters Weightlifting Meet.

Go to www.joinfightcamp.com to learn more about this platform and what it can do for you. Thank you, Tommy, for talking with me!

Keep watching through to the end and see Fight Camp Coach Phillip Shirdan come on at the end and give me support. A big shout to Keith Hayes of Sinista1 Productions for turning this show around so quickly.

“Be Your Strongest Combination”

#fightcamp

#boxing

#tommy duquette

#phillip shirdan

#keith hayes

#sinista1productions

#oscarmikeradio

#missioninflight

This is a special episode of Oscar Mike Radio. I talk about my journey in weightlifting after recovering from a ruptured quadricep tendon, an injury he attributes to his Marine Corps days.

I recently placed third at the Howard Cohen American Masters Weightlifting Meet.

It is with pleasure and excitement that I introduce a boxing fitness kit from Fight Camp to enhance his training, detailing its contents and benefits. This is a great moment on so many levels. I have a way to get healthier, meet with other Veterans, and grow as an individual. "Be Your Strongest Combination", is a power mantra that aligns perfectly with the attitude needed to succeed.

The episode emphasizes resilience, community, and the transformative power of fitness, particularly for veterans facing physical and mental health challenges.

Go to https://joinfightcamp.com/

to learn more and develop your strongest combination.

Thank you, Fight Camp, for this amazing opportunity!

In the first 2025 episode of Oscar Mike Radio, I reconnected with Ben Monette, a U.S. Army Green Beret and advocate for resilience and recovery. Ben introduces "The Forge," a virtual community platform led by U.S. Army Green Beret veteran Nick Lavery. The Forge provides a transformative space where individuals access resources from fitness coaches to mental health professionals, fostering personal growth and collaboration.

Nick Lavery, an inspiring leader and the first above-the-knee amputee to return to combat, channels his experiences into guiding others through adversity. His book, Objective Secure, and platform, Precision Components, highlights resilience and recovery. The Forge leverages technology to connect members with experts and peers, emphasizing the power of collective accountability and encouragement.

Using the metaphor of a blacksmith’s forge, the community shapes individuals into their best selves by addressing physical, mental, and emotional well-being holistically. This interconnected approach enables members to tackle challenges and achieve goals.

The Forge isn’t just for veterans; it welcomes civilians, creating an inclusive environment that bridges gaps and fosters mutual understanding. Corporations can also benefit from The Forge through tailored workshops that enhance employee wellness and address mental health challenges.

Ben emphasizes the importance of breaking mental health stigmas and encouraging vulnerability as a strength. Through his journey and work with organizations like Treehouse Recovery, he highlights that true growth stems from community support and collaboration.

As 2025 begins, Oscar Mike Radio inspires listeners to embrace the power of choice, technology, and community. By seeking guidance, engaging in collaborative efforts, and fostering inclusivity, The Forge offers a blueprint for overcoming adversity and achieving personal fulfillment.

You and order Nick’s book, “Objective Secure” on Amazon (https://a.co/d/9UGviSa) by clicking on the link.

Go to https://teammchn.com/ to learn more about and join this community. Thank you Nick, for talking with me!

On December 25th, 2024, I had the privilege of recording a special episode at the Lewis V. Dorsey American Legion Post #112 in Abington, Massachusetts. This wasn’t just another recording—it was a chance to step outside my studio and do something unique. Armed with my wireless lavalier microphone, I captured the raw, authentic energy I was aiming for. The absence of extra lighting gave the episode a candid and natural vibe that wouldn’t have been the same otherwise. Using DaVinci Resolve 19, I worked to get the sound just right, bringing the essence of the moment to life.

The setting of Post #112 was ideal for exploring the profound impact that Veteran Service Organizations—like the VFW, American Legion, and AmVets—have on their communities. Post #112’s contributions resonate deeply throughout Abington, and I was inspired to highlight how organizations like these create meaningful change.

I also want to shine a light on the Daughters of the American Revolution in Abington, MA—their dedication to advocating for Veterans is truly uplifting. Their efforts make Veterans' lives brighter, and their work does not go unnoticed.

A particularly moving experience this season was attending the Wreaths Across America event at Mount Wollaston Cemetery in Quincy, MA. Being part of this solemn ceremony was an honor, and witnessing Erin and Amber Smith from IGY6 - Two Lives at Once honor their loved ones was unforgettable. Moments like these remind me why I started this journey and the importance of sharing stories that matter.

Working alongside Keith Hayes from Sinista1 Productions continues to be a rewarding experience. Collaborations, like the exciting partnership being developed with Fight Camp, promise even more growth for the show in 2025. The future looks bright, and I’m grateful to be on this path.

As Christmas 2024 draws to a close, I’m filled with gratitude for your unwavering support. This year has been incredible, and I can’t wait to see what the next chapter holds for Oscar Mike Radio.

Merry Christmas, and thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to 2025! 🎉

#OscarMikeRadio #Veterans #AmericanLegion #CommunityImpact #WreathsAcrossAmerica #VeteranSupport #PodcastJourney #MerryChristmas #Gratitude

A short podcast I did talking about Christmas and my time at the Wreaths Across America Ceremony at Mount Wollaston Cemetary in Quincy, MA.

Thank you to the Quincy, MA Veterans' Service Officer,

Christmas 2024 was a special this year.

I talked with returning guest, Audrey McHugh, the “Amazonian Warrior,” a veteran and founder of the Amazonian Warrior Foundation. Audrey’s foundation supports military personnel impacted by sexual assault and PTSD, while her advocacy extends to a pressing issue: deported veterans.

This conversation had a different focus because Audry is helping Veterans who are not American citizens. There are documented cases where these Veterans get deported. Historically, immigrant veterans were guaranteed citizenship as recognition for their service, a practice dating back to the War of 1812. However, policy changes—shifting deportation oversight from the Department of Defense to ICE—have jeopardized this promise. Audrey outlines how this issue is often politicized, overshadowing its foundation as a matter of veteran rights.

Audrey shares heartbreaking stories, including Arturo, a deported veteran denied life-saving care, whose death underscores the system’s failings. She emphasizes that these veterans served honorably and deserve both recognition and the benefits they’ve earned.

Through coalitions with organizations like the VFW and American Legion, Audrey is driving legislative efforts such as the Richard Starr Act and HR 4569 to protect veteran citizenship rights. She stresses the need for bipartisan support, as this issue transcends political divides and impacts military recruitment and morale.

Audrey’s advocacy is a rallying cry for action. She urges listeners to contact their representatives and push for legislative change. By uniting as a community, we can ensure these veterans receive the citizenship and support they deserve, honoring their sacrifices and fulfilling the promises made to them.

Go to https://amazonianwarriorfoundation.org/ to learn more and connect Thank you for talking with me Audry. We are Oscar Mike, Mission in Flight!

This is part three of a four-part conversation with Army veteran and Green Beret Ben Monette about his new venture, Resilience Recon—a coaching and consulting service focused on mental health and personal development.

The Vision Behind Resilience Recon

Ben’s journey began with his work at Treehouse Recovery, which inspired his mission to address mental health challenges through community and vulnerability. Resilience Recon emphasizes Connection, Communication, and Collaboration, which form the foundation of his coaching approach.

Overcoming Challenges and Taking the Leap

Starting a new venture can be daunting. Ben credits community support for guiding him through uncertainties. His philosophy—"success is a marathon, not a sprint"—reflects his commitment to ethical practices and patience.

Holistic Growth Through Tailored Services

Resilience Recon offers five distinct coaching packages:

1. Strategic Decision-Making: Build a problem-solving mindset.

2. Stress Management: Combat burnout through self-care.

3. Personal and Professional Growth: Develop actionable goals.

4. Accountability: Foster growth through clear expectations.

5. Communication and Connection: Strengthen relationships by sharing struggles.

Core Themes: Balance and Resilience

Ben highlights the need to balance personal and professional lives, stressing that leaders must care about their team’s well-being. His approach integrates emotional intelligence, community support, and a biopsychosocial-spiritual model to promote holistic well-being.

A Roadmap for Self-Discovery

Ben encourages reframing challenges and shifting perceptions to foster positivity and resilience. He aims to create lasting impacts on individuals' lives, emphasizing authenticity and growth over metrics.

For more information about Resilience Recon, connect with Ben Monette via social media or visit his website (https://resiliencerecon.com/). Thank you, Ben, for talking with me.

Wreaths Across America Radio has been an amazing platform for Oscar Mike Radio. Jeff Pierce, Director of Broadcast and Media Partnerships at Wreaths Across America has built a place for Veterans to tell their stories and be heard. This is how I was connected to USMC Veteran Tabitha Bartley and her show, the Oath We Took Podcast.

Tabitha's path to the Marine Corps began unexpectedly with a chance encounter with a recruiter. Drawn to the field of public affairs, she found her calling in storytelling through photography and journalism.

Tabitha thrived at Quantico, covering diverse events and fostering camaraderie within her unit. Tab discussed the disbandment of the Marine Corps' last newspaper, raising concerns about preserving military storytelling in the digital age. Tabitha underscored the importance of sharing authentic narratives to strengthen connections within the military community.

Her transition to civilian life brought challenges, including navigating health issues after an injury. This experience inspired her to form a support group for women veterans, addressing shared struggles and advocating for healthcare reforms. Encouraged by her community, Tabitha ran for office, focusing on veterans’ needs and holding politicians accountable for their support—or lack thereof—of veteran issues.

As a sexual assault victim advocate, Tabitha highlighted the power of honest conversations in addressing sensitive topics and fostering trust and understanding. She continues this work through her podcast, using her platform to amplify veterans' voices.

The episode concluded with a shared commitment to storytelling and advocacy, celebrating the resilience and impact of veterans like Tabitha. Her journey reminds us that by sharing our stories and standing for change, we can inspire others and leave a legacy.

Listen to The Oath We Took on (https://www.podpage.com/oath-we-took/) and all streaming platforms and follow Tabitha’s advocacy journey on social media.

Thank you, Tabitha, for talking with me and sharing so openly. Semper Fidelis

I’m thrilled to share the latest episode of Oscar Mike Radio

Key Takeaways from Our Chat:

Why You Should Listen:

This episode is a heartfelt exploration of the bond between

Call to Action:

Tune in to hear Shannon’s inspiring journey and learn how

Thank you for being part of the Oscar Mike Radio community.

Stay safe, stay strong, and keep moving forward.