Oscar Mike Radio

Ever experienced peace through the thrill of motorcycle riding? I recently discussed this on Oscar Mike Radio with Brett Stralo, a professional motocross racer and former AH-64 Apache helicopter mechanic in the U.S. Army. Brett shared how motocross offers him tranquility and focus, serving as a form of therapy, especially after his military service. The intensity of racing, surprisingly, brings about a therapeutic calm.

Brett’s journey took him from military service to rediscovering his passion for dirt biking and turning professional at age 30. He emphasized the therapeutic aspects of motocross in helping veterans transition to civilian life. Through his Warrior Max program, Brett provides camaraderie and mental health support on the track, aiming to reduce veteran suicide rates.

Our conversation also covered the technological evolution in motocross, noting advancements in bike performance and suspension. Legends like McGrath, Carmichael, and Stewart have significantly shaped the sport. Brett expressed his gratitude for the motocross industry's role in supporting veterans and discussed his work with Operation Vet Now, where he promotes mental health and honors fallen soldiers.

Brett's commitment to expanding his foundation and participating in outdoor rounds highlights his dedication to giving back. For more about his efforts and to support veteran mental health, visit Operation Vet Now. https://opvetnow.org/

Thank you, Brett, for your inspiring contributions both on and off the track.

Stephanie Dasher, a Navy veteran involved with the Warrior Surf Foundation shared a different kind of Veteran transition story. Stephanie’s story highlights the remarkable transition from the demanding world of military life to the therapeutic embrace of the ocean waves.

Stephanie entered the Navy straight out of high school, aiming to become a pilot. Instead, she found herself in the challenging realm of nuclear power on aircraft carriers. Her exit from the Navy coincided with a pivotal family phase—her husband's return from deployment and their first child on the way. It was during this transition that Stephanie discovered surf therapy through the Warrior Surf Foundation, a nonprofit based in South Carolina dedicated to veteran welfare.

Initially skeptical, Stephanie and her husband quickly saw the benefits as surfing began transforming their lives. The foundation not only introduced them to surf therapy but also integrated them into a vibrant local surfing community. This involvement shifted Stephanie's role from participant to leader, where she applied her skills to improve the foundation's operations.

Surf therapy at the foundation is paired with wellness coaching to promote mindfulness and connection to nature, aiding veterans and their families in healing and growth. The organization places a high priority on safety, employing experienced instructors and even providing shark deterrents to ensure peace of mind.

Today, the foundation is a sustainable community that fosters belonging and gives veterans a platform to continue serving by mentoring new participants. They are expanding to include more programs for spouses and children and are even exploring ways to help others establish similar nonprofits.

For those inspired by the transformative power of surf therapy or interested in supporting the Warrior Surf Foundation, the organization welcomes volunteers and financial contributions. Whether you’re in South Carolina or elsewhere, exploring the impact of surf therapy could be a profoundly rewarding journey.

Go to https://www.warriorsurf.org/ to learn more. Thank you, Stephanie, for talking with us!

This week, I spoke with Dr. Pamela Arnell, whose leadership with the 22 Zero is significantly advancing post-traumatic stress disorder recovery.

22 Zero has earned my respect for its commitment to healing those who have served our country. Dr. Arnell, although not from a military background, has become a pivotal figure in this mission due to her extensive counseling experience and genuine compassion.

During our conversation, Dr. Arnell shared her journey into trauma resiliency and her dedication to helping others. She explained how the Trauma Resiliency Protocol (TRP) and the Emotions Management Process (EMP), two innovative tools used by 22 Zero, are making real changes in the lives of our heroes. TRP focuses on true healing rather than just symptom management, and EMP helps individuals manage their emotional responses, crucial for overcoming traumatic experiences.

Dr. Arnell's insights into these processes were both enlightening and moving, underscoring the importance of confronting trauma with effective, innovative methods. Her work reminds us that support for our veterans and first responders can come from both military and non-military individuals alike.

Our discussion left me optimistic about the future of trauma recovery. I'm grateful to share Dr. Arnell's impactful story and 22 Zero’s mission with our listeners. I encourage everyone to listen to the full episode to hear more about her remarkable contributions.

Go to https://22zero.org/ to learn more about the work and support their mission.

Until next time, we are Mision in Flight!

I would like to welcome returning guest Phil Cook to Oscar Mike Radio. I met Phil during an Irreverent Warrior’s hike in Nashville, TN.

Phil's unwavering dedication shines through in his efforts to honor fallen soldiers and veterans. Notably, he carried a flag bearing the names of 12 fallen soldiers from the 101st Second Brigade during the Baton Death March at White Sands Missile Range.

Beyond this, Phil crafts cedar challenge coins, gift boxes, and hope chests, serving as enduring symbols of honor for Gold Star families. His significant creation, a unique 9/11 flag adorned with patches from various units nationwide, symbolizes unity and remembrance.

Stemming from his personal experiences and military service, this flag educates others about 9/11, ensuring the sacrifices are remembered.

As the 25th anniversary of 9/11 nears, the flag will permanently reside at Fort Campbell, solidifying Phil's legacy of remembrance. His journey from photography to woodworking, culminating in the 9/11 flag project, showcases the profound impact of individual dedication on collective memory.

You can check out Phil’s work in photography by going to https://www.customportraitsbyphilip.com/.

Thank you Phill, for talking with me!

Jeff Nelligan, a U.S. Army Reserve Veteran, applied military discipline principles to parenting, emphasizing punctuality, follow-through, and modesty in his children. He believes in preparing his sons for real-world challenges, encouraging them to complete tasks independently, like navigating public spaces and handling financial transactions. This approach aims to foster self-reliance and problem-solving skills, setting clear expectations and enabling personal growth.

Jeff values humor in parenting, using it to ease tensions and enhance learning experiences. He asserts that humor can be an effective tool to reinforce lessons and values.

The discussion touches on broader themes:

Confidence and Resilience: Jeff’s military-inspired parenting approach highlights the importance of instilling confidence and resilience in children, preparing them for life's challenges.

The Power of Humor: Humor can significantly impact parenting and leadership, fostering connection and education.

These insights underscore the importance of support, resilience, and a positive approach to life's complexities. The episode's lessons encourage learning, laughter, and growth, emphasizing the impact of humor and the significance of solidarity and support in various aspects of life.

Go to https://www.nelliganbooks.com/ to learn more and order Jeff’s book.

Thank you, Jeff, for talking with me!

This week features John Michael Ferrari, an Army veteran turned celebrated musician. John's journey from a San Francisco youth to a national recording artist embodies resilience and passion. Starting with a right-handed guitar despite being left-handed, he mirrored Elvis's iconic posture, showcasing the adaptability that marked his life, including during his military service.

John was drafted into the Army unexpectedly, which led to intense training and combat experiences in Vietnam. These experiences deeply influenced his music, as seen in songs like "Dust Off," inspired by rescue helicopters. After nearly two years in Vietnam and teaching at Fort Gordon, John left the military, facing post-service challenges. Music remained his constant, leading him from cover performances in Las Vegas to creating his songs, guided by industry mentor Pepper Jay.

John's music, often reflecting his military experiences, resonates with listeners for its emotional depth. Advising fellow veteran musicians, he stresses goal setting, industry knowledge, and the importance of mentorship and community, particularly in Nashville.

Now an independent artist, John relishes the creative freedom and joy of music-making, from selecting songs to designing album artwork. His narrative is a testament to the transformative power of dedication and authenticity. Sharing the Vietnam Veteran’s story is not just a privilege but a profound source of inspiration. Go to https://johnmichaelferrari.com/ to learn more!

Thank you, John and Pepper, for an amazing experience!

This week features returning guest, Stephen Russell, creator of the "Tales of Nihilism" comic series. Stephen’s artistic path highlights the immense potential within our community. "Tales of Nihilism" has since amassed over 7,000 page reads, proving its appeal beyond conventional superhero tales.

Stephen's involvement in Plastic City Comic-Con was pivotal, turning his passion project into a serious business endeavor. The convention scene, while showcasing creative work, also presents opportunities for direct audience engagement.

Our discussion also touched on Stephen’s forthcoming memoir, "Troublemakers: The Greatest Dog and Pony Show in Iraq," which promises an unfiltered look at his deployment experiences, offering insights often overlooked in mainstream war narratives. This memoir addresses the broader cultural and societal impacts of the Iraq War, shedding light on the chaos and consequences of the conflict.

Reflecting on personal and broader veterans' transitions from military to civilian life, it’s clear that support in career shifts is vital. From veterans turning into truck drivers to programs aiding skill development, these initiatives are essential for harnessing veterans' skills post-service.

Inspired by Stephen’s dedication to storytelling and the veteran experience, I look forward to his future appearances at comic conventions and the release of his memoir. His journey from soldier to artist and writer is a testament to the varied paths veterans can pursue, blending entertainment, education, and thought-provoking narratives that bridge the military and civilian worlds. Keep an eye out for Stephen's impactful work, which enriches our national narrative.

You can check out Stephen’s book on Blue Ear Books. Use this link (https://blueearbooks.com/books/troublemakers/) to order. Thank you Stephen for sharing with us!

This week’s show highlighted the legacy of Japanese American World War II service members through a conversation with Dr. Mitchell T. Maki, Executive Director of the Go For Broke National Education Center. This center, founded by veterans 35 years ago, aims to preserve the history and contributions of Japanese Americans, focusing on their extraordinary service during a period of severe discrimination following the Pearl Harbor attack in 1941. Despite facing forced relocation to internment camps, many Japanese Americans volunteered for military service, showcasing their unwavering loyalty and honor to the United States.

Dr. Maki emphasized the soldiers' resilience, especially the "little men of iron" of the 100th Battalion and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, whose heroic efforts in Europe are legendary. They played key roles in breaking the Gothic Line, rescuing the Lost Battalion in France, and were recognized as the most highly decorated unit for their size in U.S. military history, earning 21 Medals of Honor.

Beyond combat, these soldiers contributed significantly as interpreters, translators, and intelligence officers in the Pacific, helping shorten the war and save lives. Their post-war efforts in Japan and leadership roles in Hawaii further exemplify their impact.

Despite their contributions, returning soldiers faced racism and prejudice, but remained determined to rebuild their lives and communities. Advocacy efforts eventually led to the Civil Liberties Act of 1988, which apologized and provided reparations for the internment.

The "Go For Broke" mentality, a commitment to give one's all despite adversity, encapsulates the spirit of these service members. The Go For Broke National Education Center continues to share their stories, inspiring future generations and preserving their legacy. Dr. Maki's discussion underscores the importance of remembering these veterans' sacrifices and contributions, inviting us to explore their enduring legacy and the center's efforts to honor them.

Go to https://goforbroke.org/ to learn more about these amazing Americans.

Thank you, Dr. Maki, for sharing with us!