In this episode of Oscar Mike Radio, I sit down with Andrea Gayle-Bennett, Deputy Secretary of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services and a retired Brigadier General, in honor of Black History Month.

We have an important conversation about the vital contributions of Black veterans across Massachusetts. Together, we reflect on the legacy of trailblazers like Marvin Gilmore and highlight the leadership of changemakers such as Nicole McClain and Catherine King.

This episode is about more than history; it’s about responsibility.

We talk about why these stories must be told, preserved, and elevated. By sharing the voices and lived experiences of Black veterans, we help educate the public, promote inclusion, and strengthen advocacy for equity, recognition, and opportunity within both the military and veteran communities.

Deputy Secretary Gayle-Bennett brings insight not only from her leadership role in state government, but also from her distinguished military service. Her perspective underscores the importance of representation, mentorship, and continued progress.

These conversations matter. They shape policy. They inspire action. And they ensure that the service and sacrifice of Black veterans are never overlooked.

I’m honored to help bring these stories forward.

To learn more about how veterans are served in Massachusetts, visit the Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services website. (https://www.mass.gov/orgs/executive-office-of-veterans-services)

Deputy Secretary Bennett, thank you for taking the time to speak with me and for your continued service.

In recognition of the third week of Black History Month, this episode of Oscar Mike Radio examines the extraordinary legacy of the 369th Infantry Regiment, widely known as the Harlem Hellfighters.

This episode draws extensively from the research of Elizabeth De Pompei in Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Magazine. (https://digital.dav.org/publication/?i=858943&p=20&view=issueViewer) Her work significantly informed this discussion, and I am grateful for her contribution to bringing this important history to light.

The Harlem Hellfighters served with exceptional courage during World War I, spending more time in continuous combat than any other American unit of their era. Despite their bravery and battlefield success, they endured profound discrimination both within the military and upon returning home. Recognition of their service was delayed for decades, a reflection of the racial injustices of the time.

This episode underscores why it is so important to commemorate the achievements of Black veterans and to acknowledge the ongoing pursuit of equality in our nation. The story of the Harlem Hellfighters is not just military history; it is American history.

I encourage listeners to explore this significant yet often overlooked chapter further. Additional insights can be found in Smithsonian Magazine’s reporting (https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/one-hundred-years-ago-harlem-hellfighters-bravely-led-us-wwi-180968977).

Thank you to our sponsors and supporters for helping us continue to tell these important stories.

In Episode 480 of Oscar Mike Radio, I took time to honor Black History Month by reflecting on the powerful legacy of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment and the memorial that stands in their honor in Boston.

The Robert Gould Shaw and 54th Regiment Memorial is more than a monument; it’s a reminder of courage, sacrifice, and leadership in one of the most defining chapters of American history.

The 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment was the first officially recognized African American combat unit in the U.S. Army. Their bravery during the assault on the Second Battle of Fort Wagner demonstrated extraordinary valor under unimaginable conditions. Many of those soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice, forever shaping the narrative of service and citizenship in America.

I also reflect on Robert Gould Shaw’s leadership, who stood shoulder to shoulder with his men. Their unity in the face of adversity continues to inspire generations.

This episode isn’t just about history, it’s about remembrance. It’s about acknowledging the contributions of African American soldiers whose service helped redefine the nation. Their legacy challenges us to continue striving toward unity, respect, and shared purpose.

If you’re ever in Boston, I encourage you to visit the memorial. Stand there for a moment. Reflect. Remember.

Because courage like theirs should never be forgotten.

I recently sat down with Olympic bobsledder Will Person for a powerful and eye-opening conversation about brain injury, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), and the search for healing after years of elite competition.

Will speaks candidly about his personal battle with brain trauma, including cognitive decline, memory challenges, and mental health struggles that followed his career in high-impact sports. His story sheds light on the often unseen consequences of repeated head injuries and the long-term toll they take on athletes and their families.

A central focus of our discussion is the transformative impact of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on Will’s recovery. He shares how the treatment helped improve his quality of life and inspired a deeper mission to make innovative therapies more accessible to others living with traumatic brain injuries.

The conversation also draws powerful parallels between elite athletes and military veterans, two communities disproportionately affected by brain trauma. Will speaks passionately about his advocacy work and his nonprofit’s mission to open a hyperbaric therapy center for veterans, emphasizing the urgent need for awareness, funding, and real, actionable solutions.

This episode serves as a compelling call to action, underscoring the importance of early intervention, mental health support, and forward-thinking treatment options for those impacted by brain injury.

If you or someone you know is living with brain trauma, this conversation offers insight, hope, and a reminder that no one has to fight alone.

Visit BrainInjurySurvival on YouTube to learn more.
Thank you, Will, for sharing your story and your mission.

In this milestone episode of Oscar Mike Radio, I welcome back Lance A. Slatton, founder of All Home Care Matters, for a meaningful conversation centered on caregiving, compassion, and community.

Lance shares his personal journey into geriatric and home care, which began with caring for his grandparents and later his father. Those experiences shaped his understanding of what families truly face when a loved one needs care. Lance explains why advocacy, education, and empathy are so critical in this space.

Our discussion dives into the real-world challenges families encounter, particularly veterans and their loved ones, when navigating complex systems like Medicare, VA benefits, and long-term care options. Lance speaks candidly about how overwhelming the process can feel and why having trustworthy information and support makes all the difference.

We also explore the emotional toll of caregiving, the burnout many caregivers experience, and why integrity and trust must be at the core of home care services. Lance shares moving stories from his podcast that highlight both the struggles and the quiet heroism of caregivers across the country.

This episode is ultimately about showing up for caregivers, for aging loved ones, and for veterans who deserve dignity and compassionate care.

Learn more about Lance A. Slatton and his work at https://allhomecarematters.com

Thank you, Lance, for talking with me and continuing to be a voice for caregivers everywhere.

In this episode of Oscar Mike Radio, I sit down with Army veteran Joseph Yurick, host of The Sober Vet Podcast, for an honest and important conversation about sobriety, service, and life after the military.

As fellow Air Defense Artillery veterans, Joseph and I share similar experiences navigating military life and the deeply ingrained culture of alcohol within the armed forces. We talk openly about how drinking is often normalized during service, and how that normalization can follow veterans long after the uniform comes off.

Joseph shares his personal journey to sobriety, the challenges he faced along the way, and the profound impact it had on his family. He explains what inspired him to launch The Sober Vet Podcast, a platform dedicated to supporting veterans who are questioning their relationship with alcohol or actively choosing a sober path.

Our discussion explores the unbreakable bonds formed through military service, the struggles many veterans face during transition, and why it’s critical to normalize conversations around sobriety, accountability, and mental health in the veteran community.

This episode is a candid and meaningful dialogue about growth, self-awareness, and taking care of one another long after service ends.

Learn more about Joseph Yurick and his mission at https://thissobervet.com/

Thank you, Joe, for sharing your story and continuing to show up for veterans who need it most.

In this episode of Oscar Mike Radio, I sit down with filmmaker Stephen Grayhm to talk about his powerful new movie, Sheepdog. The film explores the experiences of U.S. veterans, post-traumatic growth, and the importance of empathy in storytelling.

Stephen shared how his grandfather’s WWII service and a chance encounter with a veteran profoundly influenced his work. Those moments sparked his mission to tell veterans’ stories with honesty and respect, capturing both the pain and growth that come after service.

Bringing Sheepdog to life took rigorous research and deep collaboration with real veterans and mental health professionals. Stephen and his team wanted to ensure the film accurately represents both communities — avoiding stereotypes while focusing on authentic emotion and human connection.

Our conversation dives into what it means to tell these stories responsibly, how filmmakers can use empathy as a guiding principle, and why portrayal matters, especially when dealing with trauma and recovery.

At its heart, Sheepdog is about understanding, compassion, and connection. Stephen’s vision is to bridge the gap between civilian and military communities through open, honest storytelling. By fostering empathy, he hopes to build a framework where people can engage in supportive conversations about veterans’ healing journeys.

This episode of Oscar Mike Radio celebrates more than just a movie — it’s about the mission of storytelling as a form of service. Stephen’s work reminds us that sharing the real stories behind those who served helps foster resilience, community, and dialogue that can heal divides.

To learn more about Stephen’s film, visit sheepdogthemovie.com.

Thank you, Stephen, for joining me and for your dedication to honoring the voices of veterans everywhere.

I did a livestream using the OneStream Live Platform. I had a good time bringing in the New Year.

Recorded at Island Grove Park in Abington, MA, Episode 473 of Oscar Mike Radio was one for the books, cold, windy New England weather and all! Despite the headwinds, the mission continued.

As I looked back on 2025, I couldn’t help but feel proud of how far Oscar Mike Radio has come. This year marked incredible growth from expanding veteran storytelling and teaching podcasting to embracing video content and reaching new audiences.

Through every challenge, the message stayed the same: keep moving forward and share powerful stories that inspire.

With 2026 on the horizon, I’m excited to celebrate a major milestone, our 500th episode. Each conversation and story brings us closer to our mission: amplifying the voices of veterans, advocates, and community leaders who continue to make an impact long after their service.

As we prepare for this milestone, Oscar Mike Radio remains focused on highlighting veterans’ advocacy, employment challenges, and the importance of community support across the country.

Veteran storytelling continues to be at the heart of Oscar Mike Radio. Whether it’s through audio, video, or teaching others how to podcast, every voice matters. These stories remind us that resilience and connection are what keep our community strong especially when times get tough.

Even out in the cold, recording at Island Grove Park was a reminder that the mission never stops. We adapt, overcome, and keep pushing — because service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off.

As 2025 comes to a close, I’m thankful for everyone who’s supported Oscar Mike Radio: listeners, guests, partners, and the veteran community. Your encouragement fuels this mission of engagement, education, and empowerment.

We are Mission in Flight, always moving forward, no matter the obstacles.

Merry Christmas and thank you for being part of the journey!