Oscar Mike Radio

This week on Oscar Mike Radio, I talk with Deborah Green, afemale veteran, former military police officer, and law enforcement dispatcher with 28 years of experience.

She discusses her service in the California National Guard during the Rodney King riots and her experience as a dispatcher handling critical calls.

Topics covered include: the challenges dispatchersencounter, her experiences with PTSD, the importance of mental health support for first responders, and her efforts to promote awareness of public safetyworkers.

The episode provides insight into service on the frontlines, both in uniform and in dispatch roles.

#OscarMikeRadio #VeteranVoices #FirstResponderMentalHealth#PTSAwareness #CountdownTo500 #WomenVeterans #BehindTheHeadset #DeborahGreen

We’re closing in on Episode 500, and you won’t want to miss this milestone conversation! I sat down with Martin Shefsky, CEO of Empath Therapeutics, and ibogaine trailblazer Boaz Wachtell, strategic advisor at mPath Therapeutics.

Together, we unpacked how ibogaine, a powerful, plant-based psychedelic, is making waves in PTSD and addiction treatment, especially for our veterans. We delved into Martin and Boaz’s journeys.

Boaz’s experience in the Israeli Defense Forces brings a compelling reminder: we owe it to our heroes to explore every path to healing.

Ready to learn more? Visit https://www.mpaththerapeutics.org and join us as we reimagine mental health care.

Thanks, Martin and Boaz, for an eye-opening conversation!

This episode holds particular significance to me for many reasons. I want to thank Evocati Public Relations (https://www.evocatillc.com/), a veteran-owned firm, for facilitating my conversation with Michael “Sully” Sullivan, a U.S. Army Ret. Green Beret Colonel and Incoming Executive Director for Team Red, White & Blue (Team RWB).

During our discussion, Michael shared insights into his distinguished military career, the unique challenges veterans encounter during the transition to civilian life, and the vital support Team RWB offers through community engagement, physical fitness initiatives, and opportunities for social connection.

Colonel Sullivan emphasized that Team RWB’s mission extends well beyond fitness; he highlighted their commitment to inclusivity, the development of an innovative health-tracking application, and a range of diverse programs that promote resilience, teamwork, and strong relationships among veterans and civilians alike.

Before this conversation, I was under the impression that Team RWB focused solely on running activities. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that its scope is considerably broader.

For further information or to become involved, please visit https://teamrwb.org.

I extend my gratitude to Michael “Sully” Sullivan for his dedicated service and for generously sharing his experiences.

Thank you to Kevin Tocci of Abington Community Access Media for making this conversation possible. His connection is a testament to the power of word of mouth and working alongside dedicated people. Thanks, Kevin!

In this episode, I had the privilege of sitting down with Brian Shortsleeve, a former U.S. Marine Corps officer and a prospective candidate for Governor of Massachusetts. Our discussion spanned his military roots, his passion for public service, and his ambitious plans for revitalizing the Commonwealth.

Brian spoke candidly about his time in the Marine Corps, sharing how his experiences there instilled a deep sense of leadership, resilience, and a mission-focused mindset. He emphasized that these values have shaped his career in both business and government, including his pivotal role in reforming the MBTA.

Throughout our conversation, Brian addressed the pressing challenges Massachusetts faces today. Rising costs of living, population decline, and the need for more effective governance are all issues on voters’ minds. He laid out a clear and practical vision for the state: making Massachusetts more affordable and welcoming for families and businesses alike, all while championing efficiency and veteran leadership.

Curious to learn more about Brian Shortsleeve’s journey and vision for the future? Visit his website at https://brianshortsleeve.com/.

Thank you, Brian, for your service, your insight, and your unwavering dedication. Semper Fidelis!

Year Eight is closing out. I didn't use video; instead, I had a graphic and some letters.

I really enjoyed it. Yes, I love doing videos, but there was something about me, my microphone, and Audacity that connected me to what I was saying. I may do more of these as one-offs.

I didn't have a set subject tonight. I think my question to you all is, "What do you think about breakfast for Veterans?"

Going into year nine is exciting. I am still enjoying Oscar Mike Radio. Thanks for being with me. We are Mission in Flight.

In May, I attended the 10th Annual Elizabeth Dole Foundation Convening. Prior to the event, I talked with Michael Koorman, a 2025 Elizabeth Dole Foundation Fellow, and during the event, I spoke with Joseph Kavanagh and Heidi Munro. I was invited to speak with Steve Schwab, CEO of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. During his earlier speech, Steve discussed how the Foundation supports military and veteran caregivers, prompting me to ask further questions about these efforts.Steve elaborated on the Foundation’s mission to support caregivers, the unique challenges they encounter, and the significance of community, data, and strategic initiatives. He emphasized the Foundation’s efforts in creating a supportive ecosystem for caregivers, the wider societal impact, and the plans to expand successful programs nationwide.Following our conversation, I gained insight into the importance of caregivers in ensuring the well-being of veterans and their families.For more information and to support the mission, visit https://www.elizabethdolefoundation.org/.

In this moving episode of Oscar Mike Radio, recorded live at the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s 10th Annual Convening in Washington, D.C., I sit down with U.S. Army Veteran and caregiver Heidi Munro. Her daughter, Vanessa, an Army officer, sustained a traumatic brain injury while on active duty, a moment that changed both of their lives.

Heidi opens up about navigating the complexities of military healthcare, the emotional weight of caregiving, and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation community that helped carry herthrough it all. Her story highlights the unseen strength of military caregivers and underscores the urgent need for expanded resources and recognition for these unsung heroes.

This episode powerfully reminds us of the resilience within military families and the importance of building systems of support.

To learn more about the Elizabeth Dole Foundation and how you can support their mission, visit elizabethdolefoundation.org.

Thank you, Heidi, for your courage and for sharing your story.

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It was an honor to travel to Washington, D.C., for the 10th Annual Convening hosted by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. The event brought together an incredible community of caregivers, advocates, and supporters, all united by a shared mission to uplift military and veteran families.

While there, I reconnected with familiar faces like Elizabeth Dole Foundation Fellow Patti Krater and had the privilege of interviewing two of the 2025 Dole Fellows.

One of those conversations was with Joseph Kavanagh, a 2025 Elizabeth Dole Fellow and devoted caregiver to his wife, a Navy veteran living with multiple traumatic brain injuries. Joseph opened up about the emotional journey of caregiving, the daily challenges he faces, and how the unwavering support from the Elizabeth Dole Foundation and the love of his family fuel his strength and resilience.

Our conversation was a powerful reminder of the importance of community and the unique experiences of military caregivers.

To learn more about the Elizabeth Dole Foundation and how you can support their mission, visit: https://www.elizabethdolefoundation.org

Thank you, Joseph, for sharing your story.

I was asked to teach a podcast class for Boyden Library (https://boydenlibrary.org/) in Foxborough, MA.

My students were engaging and interested in learning about podcasting. For their final assignment, they interviewed Michelle Hamilton, the Town of Foxborough's Veteran Service Officer.

Each student prepared questions based on their research and then interviewed Michelle. I put it all together, and the class had a watch party on Saturday, June 14.

This was an amazing experience, and it was good to see how the students and Michelle connected as they talked about her military service and continued service to Foxborough's Veterans.

I can't wait to see what my students do next. One of them created a podcast, and another one is launching a podcast in September. I am proud of all of them.

Libraries are cool, incredible places, and I appreciate Boyden Library Director Libby O'Neil for approaching me with this idea and supporting the class.

It really is a small world.

I joined the Marine Corps from Shreveport, Louisiana — a city founded by Captain Henry Miller Shreve. So, imagine my surprise when Heather Shreve, a descendant of the Shreve family tree, reached out to me about her powerful new book, The Long Blue Shadow.

Heather isn’t just connected by name — she carries a 250-year family legacy of military service. Her book tells the story of her grandfather, Arthur Shreve, a WWII POW, and her grandmother Julia’s resilience on the home front. It’s a heartfelt tribute to the often-unspoken struggles military families face.

In this episode, we dive into:

• The emotional impact of service on generations

• Why preserving these stories matters

• Heather’s creative journey as a writer, speaker, and artist

• And her passion for honoring military spouses and families

Check out Heather’s work and upcoming projects at www.heather-p-shreve.com. You can order, “The Long Blue Shadow” on Amazon (https://a.co/d/0CwS8oW).

Thank you, Heather, for sharing your voice and your family's story.