Oscar Mike Radio

This was a first for me. Anna Castle from Kore PR reached out and asked if I was interested in talking with Nashville recording artist Matthew Oakley. Anna told me Matt Oakley, was the son of a military veteran with a new single dropping called, “Soldier’s Son”.

I haven’t interviewed a military son or daughter who was a recording artist, so Matt and I met and started talking. His story is wide-ranging, and I could tell he was proud of his father’s service.

Matt shared insights into his creative process, the emotional connection to military families, and the significance of authenticity in music. The conversation highlighted the unique perspective of a military child and the impact of military life on personal identity, offering a heartfelt tribute to military families.

As we discussed Matt's music career, he talked about his experiences as a military child, and the inspiration behind his song "Soldier Son," which honors his father's service.

“Soldier’s Son” drops on September 12th, 2024. I look forward to listening to the show of love from a son to a father.

Check out the links below to get to know Matt and his music.

• Linktree - https://linktr.ee/MattOakley

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mattoakleymusic/

• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/mattoakleymusic

• TikTok - mattoakleymusic (@mattoakleymusic) | TikTok

Thank you, Matt, for sharing with us.

I talked with U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard Lieutenant Colonel Les Carroll, an author, filmmaker, and writer.

We discussed Les’s military career, focusing on his time at Dover Air Force Base, where he was involved in the “Dignified Transfer” of fallen service members. I had seen the ceremony and had an understanding, but didn’t know what went on behind the scenes. Lt. Carroll described the intense focus and bearing required to maintain professionalism during this time of loss for families and our nation.

Les shared insights from his book "This Troubled Ground," which explores the emotional and human aspects of military service. The conversation also touches on Les's filmmaking journey and the importance of storytelling in honoring the sacrifices of service members and their families.

“This Troubled Ground” will bring you, the reader, into what the soldier and family experience as their loved one comes home. Les wanted people to see what he experienced.

Go to https://lescarroll.com/ to learn more and see some of Les’ other work.

Thank you, Sir, for sharing with us. “Dignified Transfer” has taken on a new meaning for me.

This is a different kind of conversation. My guests and I talk about suicide in a very personal way. You will understand that a mother’s pain is only outmatched by a love that can’t be described. However, Susan Cleland has done just that in her book, “Mission Vigilant”.

As I talked with Susan Cleland, Sherye Greene, and Karen White from Mission Vigilant I realized we rarely hear about what happens to those left behind because of PTSD. Susan shared the tragic story of her son Michael, an Air Force veteran who took his own life. Sherry, a writer, and Susan’s friend collaborated on “Mission Vigilant about Michael's story.

Karen, a counselor to Susan, and now involved with the outreach by Mission Vigilant, discussed the importance of faith and community support in healing. Susan’s faith is an important part of her story, and I appreciated how candid she was about how her faith in God helped her and her family.

The conversation emphasized the significance of seeking help, especially for men, and highlighted Mission Vigilant's efforts to provide free counseling for military members, their families, and first responders.

You can purchase “Mission Vigilant” from this Amazon using this link – (https://a.co/d/3l3OBDj) . Please go to https://www.missionvigilant.org/ to learn more about the outreach Susan’s outreach.

Thank you, Susan, Sherye, and Karen, for sharing with us and showing that hope can be found in the darkest situations.

Mission in Flight

In episode number 410, I welcomed retired U.S. Navy Captain Steven Vincent. We talked about Steven’s naval career, his transition to civilian life, and the current state of naval affairs.

Steven shares his experiences working with the Marine Corps, the importance of relationships and mentorship, and the challenges faced by veterans transitioning to civilian life.

What interested me is how Steven’s work with TIAG led him and other Veterans to work together to create a way for Active-Duty Service Members to transition into technical roles and roles that involved project management skills. TIAG wanted a way to gain from the value Veterans bring as employees.

This episode highlights the significance of support systems, the value of soft skills, and the innovative work being done to support veterans and first responders.

Please visit https://tiag.net/ to learn more about the technology solutions they provide to their customers. TIAG’s career page has information on the commitment they made to give Veterans an opportunity to join their team.

David Willis Jr. is a US Marine Corps Veteran and now hosts the Homefront Sitrep Podcast. David's journey from high school athlete to dedicated Marine has been nothing short of inspiring. Playing football during his high school years, David developed a strong sense of discipline and teamwork, traits that would serve him well in his future endeavors.

After high school, David chose a path of service and joined the Marine Corps Infantry. His experiences in the Marines have provided him with a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs faced by military personnel. David's commitment to his country and his fellow Marines is evident in his storytelling and advocacy.

The HomeFront Sitrep Podcast aims to bridge the gap between military and civilian life, offering listeners a raw and honest look at the realities faced by service members. Each episode promises to deliver insightful interviews, personal stories, and valuable information that will resonate with veterans and civilians alike.

David's podcast is a platform where military stories are not only told but celebrated. It highlights the resilience, dedication, and camaraderie that define the military experience. Whether you're a veteran, a military family member, or someone interested in understanding more about military life, the HomeFront Sitrep Podcast offers something for everyone.

You can find the HomeFront Sitrep Podcast on all major platforms. Join David Willis Jr. as he shares his journey and the stories of others who have served, providing a voice to those who protect and serve our nation. Stay tuned and be a part of this incredible journey, one episode at a time.

Thank you for taking with me David. Semper Fidelis

Ryan Pavel is a Marine Corps veteran and advocate for veterans' education through the Warrior-Scholar Project

Semper Fidelis

In this episode, I spoke with Nicole Palmer, a speech pathologist from Elevate Health in New Jersey. The discussion highlighted the crucial role of speech pathology, particularly for military families and veterans, who often face unique challenges in accessing care. It was interesting to learn that military advocacy at Elevate Health NJ starts with Dr. Kristy Davies. The entire Elevate Health NJ team works hard to support the military families and Nicole is no exception.

Nicole explained that speech pathology encompasses much more than helping children with pronunciation or assisting those who stutter. Communication disorders can lead to frustration, social isolation, and mental health issues. Understanding these psychological impacts is essential for providing holistic care.

Nicole's training and experience help her identify patterns in patients' stories, enabling her to suggest additional care when necessary.

Each patient requires a tailored approach. Nicole discussed her work with children on the autism spectrum and adults recovering from strokes, highlighting the importance of considering everyone’s background, medical history, and support systems.

Frequent relocations can disrupt care continuity for military families. Nicole acknowledged these difficulties, especially when moving overseas where licensing restrictions apply. She stressed the importance of communicating with new providers to ensure smooth transitions and continuous care.

A holistic approach that considers the entire family unit is vital, especially when a parent is deployed. This ensures that both the child's and the family's needs are addressed, providing a supportive environment for treatment.

Nicole finds it incredibly rewarding to see patients regain their confidence and ability to communicate. The resilience of the human spirit and the connections formed during treatment reinforces her commitment to her role as a speech pathologist.

Nicole's passion for music has influenced her approach to speech pathology. Her background in music education—playing various instruments and performing with the Philadelphia Eagles drumline—has honed skills like patience, listening, and adaptability, translates well into her clinical practice.

I expressed gratitude for Nicole's insights and her work with military families. Nicole reiterated her commitment to compassionate care and support for service members and their families. The conversation underscored the critical role of speech pathology in improving the quality of life for individuals with communication challenges, particularly within the military community.

Go to https://www.elevatehealthnj.com/ and learn more about the work Dr. Davies and the team do for their clients. Thank you, Nicole, for talking with me.

Travis celebrated the eighth anniversary of Oscar Mike Radio with David and Stacey, the co-founders of 22 Mohawks, a nonprofit organization dedicated to veteran suicide prevention and mental health advocacy.

David, is a 16-year Army veteran with deployments with the 10th Mountain and 82nd Airborne Divisions. David’s transition to civilian life, initially focused on finance, he soon encountered mental health challenges. Seeking help from the VA marked the start of his advocacy journey.

David's story reflects the struggles many veterans face when transitioning to civilian life. He emphasizes the need for accessible mental health resources and support systems for veterans.

Stacey, who is not a military veteran, shares her connection to veteran issues through her father, a Coast Guard veteran who died by suicide in 2009. Reconnecting with David, Stacey leveraged her event planning background to support 22 Mohawks. Her story highlights the importance of community and personal connections in driving meaningful change.

David explained that the mohawk symbolizes the veteran experience and mental health stigma, encouraging people to raise awareness for veteran suicide prevention.

22 Mohawks have expanded beyond mohawks and events. David and Stacey discuss services like dog training, parachuting events, and mental health support. Building trust with veterans is key to providing effective support during crises.

David emphasizes the need for mental health training within the veteran community, citing programs like QPR and CISM. While acknowledging the VA's initiatives like VA Saves, he stresses the need for making information accessible to veterans.

Stacey encourages civilians to support veterans with care and empathy, emphasizing the impact of being present. The conversation shifts to the importance of connecting veterans with their families. 22 Mohawks fosters an environment where veterans can share experiences and feel understood, crucial for healing.

Go to https://22mohawks.com/ to learn more about the mission and how you can help. Thank you, Dave and Stacey, for talking with me.

In this episode, Doug, a Marine Corps veteran and author, shares his experiences and insights. Doug's story is a testament to adaptability, resilience, and continuous learning.

Doug's 11-year career in the Marine Corps instilled values like individual accountability, responsibility, and teamwork, crucial in both military and civilian life. He candidly shared his initial fear and uncertainty when transitioning to civilian life.

The transition into project management showcases how veterans like Doug can navigate non-traditional career paths. His inclination towards improving processes made project management a fitting choice.

We talked about the profound bond Doug had with his dog, Nitki, and the therapeutic role animals can play for veterans and individuals dealing with PTSD.

There was emphasis placed on the importance of setting goals and making plans to experience new things. His personal aspirations reflect his commitment to living life to the fullest.

Doug’s journey as an author began with jotting down profound quotes and messages. Over time, this evolved into a passion for writing and sharing his experiences, inspiring others to embrace their transitions and forge fulfilling paths in civilian life.

To learn more about Doug's journey and connect with him, visit his website (https://nitkisdad.com/) and follow him on social media. His story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning, inspiring others through his writing and experiences.

Thank you and Semper Fidelis Doug