I talk with Terri Lynch, an Army Reserve veteran with 33 years of service and host of the Tracer Rounds podcast. We are both part of Military Broadcast Radio. Joel Hunt has created a great place for Veterans to share their story. Terri and I both thank you, H-Train!

We discussed veterans' advocacy, military experiences, and the importance of giving veterans a platform through podcasting.

Terri shares her military background, family life, and podcasting journey, emphasizing the significance of community and service.

The episode highlights the evolution of military culture, the challenges of podcasting, and the impact of storytelling in connecting and supporting the veteran community.

Go to this link and subscribe to the Tracer Rounds Podcast on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@terrilynch752).

You can find out more about Military Broadcast Radio by going to https://mbradio.us/

Thank you for sharing your story with me, Terri

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! 

Oscar Mike Radio welcomes Lauren Burns, who shares her compelling life story. Despite not serving in the military, Lauren's experiences resonate deeply with themes of resilience and redemption.She recounts her parents' divorce, her father's kidnapping of her to Jordan, and the ensuing cultural shock and trauma. Lauren discusses her emotional journey, the rescue mission conducted by U.S. Military Veterans that brought her back, and her path to healing through faith and community support.The episode highlights the importance of empathy, perseverance, and the transformative power of sharing personal stories. You can listen to Lauren on her” Redeemed Podcast” on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/1AmpJyz.... (https://open.spotify.com/show/1AmpJyz...) ). Thank you for listening to me!

I was excited to welcome Carolee Hagstrom, a remarkable mother of two Marine sons and the host of Conversations with the Vet to Oscar Mike Radio. We delved into the unique challenges and joys of parenting children in the military.

Carolee shares her deeply personal journey into motherhood, from navigating an unexpected pregnancy to adopting her oldest son. She reflects on the profound emotional experiences of raising sons who chose to serve, including how military life shapes family dynamics.

The conversation also touches on her youngest son's post-COVID vaccine health challenges, providing a candid look at the ripple effects of service life and health decisions on families. Through it all, Carolee highlights the strength and resilience it takes to support loved ones in uniform.

This episode is a touching reminder of the vital role of community and support networks in helping military families navigate their unique journeys.

Use the following link (   / @conversationswithavet-tt8jb  )

to watch Carolee. Make sure you subscribe!

Thank you Carolee for sharing a mother’s perspective on military service. You must be one of the most awesome mothers I have met. Semper Fidelis

In the second installment of our four-part series on Ben Monette, we dive deeper into his journey and mission. If you missed Part 1 (episode #416 - https://oscarmikeradio.com/416-ben-monnette-move-to-purpose/), we explored Ben’s powerful story of overcoming addiction and finding purpose in his recovery.

In this episode, Ben shares his experiences with Tree House Recovery, a program that embraces a holistic approach—mind, body, and soul—to helping individuals move beyond addiction. Through Tree House Recovery, Ben not only found the support he needed to rebuild his life but also discovered a calling: guiding others on their paths to healing.

To learn more about Tree House Recovery and its impactful work, visit treehouserecoverytn.com.

This week on Oscar Mike Radio, I welcomed back Steven Vincent was on Oscar Mike Radio 410 in August 2024. We dove into the unique challenges veterans encounter when transitioning to civilian careers—a timely discussion as we approach Veterans Day.

Steven Vincent, a Navy veteran with 25 years of service, and Caitlin Yelinek, Executive Director of Talent Management at T.I.G. Stephen and Caitlin bring a wealth of experience and insight into helping veterans succeed in the civilian workforce. I learned a lot about how companies work with their Veteran employees to improve the career options available to Veterans.

Steven emphasized the power of networking and the critical role that leadership support plays in a veteran's transition. Caitlin discussed the importance of building effective veteran hiring programs and highlighted the resources available to support these efforts. Together, they explored practical tools like LinkedIn, the DOD SkillBridge, and the Microsoft SSA program to bridge the gap for veterans entering the civilian sector.

Throughout the episode, Steven and Caitlin stressed the importance of relationship-building with employers and leveraging available support systems. Watch and listen in to gain valuable advice for veterans, and anyone seeking to support them in their career journeys.

Please go to https://tiag.net/ to learn more and check out a company actively working to support Veterans.

Thank you, Caitlin and Steven, for talking with me.

This conversation is special. I am talking with a fellow HAWER and crafter. Major Theresa Drag is a Marine Corps veteran who served in the 1st LAAM (Light Anti-Aircraft Missile) Battalion, Alpha Battery, crewing the HAWK Missile System.

We discussed Major Drag's military career, her transition to civilian life, and her active role with the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) in South Paris, Maine. I was reminded that a VFW can have the pulse of a community and serve more than Veterans.

Teresa also shared her passion for quilting and involvement in the Quilts of Valor initiative, providing comfort to veterans through handmade quilts. As someone who crochets, I was hooked on how a quilt is assembled. The story of Quilts of Valor shows how the fabric of service, community, and pride make something that will last for generations.

It was great talking to a fellow HAWER and a Marine Corps officer I respect to this day.

Check VFW Post 9787 on facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VFW9787

You can go to https://www.qovf.org/ to learn about Quilts of Valor.

Thank you, Teresa, for your continued service! 

I had the privilege of sitting down with Garrett Biss, a fellow Marine Corps veteran. Garrett flew C-130s during his 16-year military career, but now, his mission has taken a different direction—helping veterans recover and reconnect with themselves after service.

When we started talking, it was clear that Garrett’s passion for the Marine Corps runs deep. But, as Garrett and I both know, leaving that family behind after service can be one of the hardest parts of transitioning to civilian life.

Garrett opened up about the emotional toll of losing those connections. It’s not just about leaving behind a job but a way of life and a sense of identity. This loss can leave veterans feeling isolated and unsure of who they are without their uniform. We dove into how this struggle with identity often becomes a barrier to recovery for veterans dealing with trauma or mental health challenges.

What struck me most during our conversation was Garrett’s emphasis on the importance of authenticity in recovery. For him, it’s not just about following a prescribed path to healing, but about reconnecting with who you are at your core. Garrett’s work in the recovery space is all about helping veterans find that reconnection.

He talked about the Warrior Reset program, an initiative that offers veterans the tools and support to heal emotionally and mentally. Garrett also shared his TED Talk on the unspoken trauma many veterans carry with them—issues that often don’t get the attention they deserve.

If you’re interested in learning more about Garrett’s speaking and coaching services or want to invite him on your podcast, visit his website at garretbiss.com.

Thank you, Garrett, for this important conversation. Your dedication to supporting veterans on their path to recovery is truly inspiring!

In a thought-provoking episode, Oscar Mike Radio recently featured Charles Moxley, an attorney and Fordham Law professor specializing in nuclear weapons law. Professor Moxley tackles the complex issue of nuclear deterrence and mutually assured destruction (MAD), often seen as a safeguard against nuclear conflict. However, Moxley challenges this conventional view, arguing that it promotes a dangerous readiness to use nuclear weapons rather than preventing their use.

In March 2024, Moxley published his latest book, Comprehensive Study of the Law Concerning the Threat and Use of Nuclear Weapons, where he emphasized the critical need for a more robust legal framework to manage these global risks. He contends that law can play a key role in shaping policies that deter nuclear threats in a more structured and controlled way.

The episode ends with a powerful call to action, encouraging deeper engagement with the legal aspects of nuclear weapons to mitigate their dangers. For more insights on this crucial topic, check out Professor Moxley's work on his website, www.nuclearweaponslaw.org.

Thank you, Professor, for talking with me and sharing this unique perspective about the role law plays in humanity’s survival.

Oscar Mike Radio #417 features Kristin Leon, an active-duty Navy officer and nurse, and Dog Tag Diva podcast host.

Kristin shares her journey into the Navy, her experiences as a medical professional in a military setting, and the challenges of balancing her civilian nursing career with her reservist duties. The conversation covers the importance of health and wellness, the emotional impact of deployment, and the camaraderie among service members.

Kristin also discusses her podcast, Dog Tag Diva Podcast, which aims to raise awareness about veterans' issues and inspire positive change. Kristin got her start in television and has enjoyed the transition to podcasting. As a Military Broadcast Radio network member, she credits MBR Manager and Founder Joel Hunt for supporting her efforts.

You can find Kristin and the Dog Tag Diva on YouTube, Facebook, and wherever you enjoy your podcasts! Thank you, Kristin, for talking with me!