This episode of Oscar Mike Radio is one of the most personal and emotional conversations I’ve ever had.

I sat down with Courtney Millett to talk about her brother, Joseph “JJ” Millett. Not as a headline, not as a court case, but as a human being. A brother. A veteran. Someone who served his country and came home carrying wounds most people will never fully understand.

Courtney speaks openly about JJ’s military service and his ongoing battle with PTSD. She shares what happened when everything changed, and how what should have been a cry for help turned into something far more painful for their family: confusion, fear, and the shock of watching a mental health crisis treated like a crime instead of a call for compassion.

This episode isn’t just about JJ. It represents something much bigger.

It’s about veterans who feel like they have to suffer in silence. It’s about families trying to stay strong while watching someone they love struggle. And it’s about the urgent need to respond to mental health challenges with empathy, understanding, and real support, not punishment.

If you listen to one episode that reminds you how powerful compassion can be, let it be this one.

Because behind every headline is a human story.

We are JJ Strong.

This one means a lot to me.

I recently had the opportunity to sit down with James and Marah Van Prooyen. They are the powerhouse couple behind Military Creator Con,  nd I can honestly say this conversation was something special.

From the moment we started talking, it was clear that what they’re building isn’t just an event. It’s a movement. A community. A place where military service members, veterans, spouses, and creatives can come together and realize that their voice, their story, and their creativity truly matter.

If you’re an active-duty service member, veteran, military spouse, or simply someone with a creative passion, you need to know about this.

Military Creator Con is designed specifically for people like us. People who want more than just ideas. People who want to turn those ideas into something meaningful.

During our conversation, we talked about how the event has evolved into a thriving, supportive community where creators can connect, collaborate, and grow.

One of the biggest takeaways for me was this: creativity is powerful, especially within the military and veteran community.

For many of us, creativity becomes an outlet. A way to process experiences, share stories, and build something new beyond our service.

James and Marah emphasized how important it is to create spaces where that creativity is not only welcomed—but encouraged and supported.

And that’s exactly what Military Creator Con does.

What makes this conference different is the people.

It’s not just about attending workshops; it’s about building relationships. It’s about networking with like-minded individuals who genuinely want to see you succeed.

We talked about:

This isn’t surface-level networking. These are real conversations, real connections, and real opportunities.

If you’ve been sitting on an idea…

This is your moment.

Military Creator Con is built to help you take that next step; with the tools, guidance, and community you need to move forward.

The conference is happening:

You can expect:

If you’re planning to attend, I’ve got something for you.

Use code: OMR202650

I truly hope to see you there.

And to James and Marah, thank you again for taking the time to come on the show. This conversation genuinely meant a lot to me, and I know it’s going to impact so many others as well.

We are Mission in Flight!

This week on Oscar Mike Radio, host Travis Partington sits down with Ben Read, a British Army veteran and former Rotary Wing Technician, for an insightful conversation on military service, career transition, and innovation in veteran support.

With 12 years of experience working on military helicopters, Ben brings a unique perspective on both the technical demands of service and the challenges of life after the military.

Ben Read’s military career focused on maintaining and supporting rotary wing aircraft—an essential and highly specialized role within the British Army. However, like many veterans, transitioning out of the military came with its own set of challenges.

In this episode, Ben discusses:

His story highlights a common issue: veterans often possess valuable skills but struggle to communicate them effectively in the civilian workforce.

One of the biggest barriers veterans face is translating their military roles into language that employers understand. Technical expertise, leadership, and problem-solving abilities don’t always fit neatly into traditional resumes.

This disconnect can lead to underemployment, frustration, and a difficult transition process.

To address this gap, Ben created Redeployable.io, a platform designed specifically to help veterans bridge the divide between military and civilian careers.

Using AI and personalized simulations, Redeployable.io helps users:

The platform supports veterans in both the United Kingdom and the United States, making it a valuable international resource.

During the episode, Travis shares his own experience using Redeployable.io. The process took approximately 60 minutes and involved a series of guided prompts designed to capture both military and professional experience.

While the platform requires detailed input, the outcome provides meaningful insights and actionable direction, making the time investment worthwhile.

One of the most compelling aspects of Redeployable.io is accessibility. The platform is completely free for veterans, removing financial barriers and making it easy for anyone to get started.

For veterans navigating uncertainty after service, this kind of tool can be a game-changer.

This episode of Oscar Mike Radio is especially valuable for:

Ben Read’s work is a strong example of how innovation and lived experience can come together to solve real-world problems.

Transitioning out of the military is never simple, but tools like Redeployable.io are helping make the process more structured, personalized, and effective.

Ben Read’s story is not just about his own journey. It’s about creating solutions that empower others. His work is helping veterans move forward with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

If you’re a veteran, or know someone who is, this episode is well worth your time.

In this inspiring episode of Oscar Mike Radio, host Travis Partington sits down with Marie Henriksen, a former U.S. Army combat medic, to share a deeply personal story of struggle, healing, and transformation.

Marie’s journey is one of resilience—navigating the challenges of military service, overcoming trauma, and rebuilding her life through recovery.

As a combat medic in the U.S. Army, Marie Henriksen experienced the realities of military life firsthand. But like many veterans, the battles didn’t end when her service did.

She opens up about her experiences with trauma and addiction, shedding light on the often-unseen struggles veterans face after returning to civilian life. Her honesty creates a powerful space for understanding and connection.

A central part of Marie’s story is her recovery journey. Now approaching nine years of sobriety, she reflects on the work, commitment, and support it takes to maintain long-term recovery.

Her story offers hope to anyone facing similar challenges, proving that healing is possible—even after the darkest moments.

One of the most compelling aspects of Marie’s journey is how she found healing through creativity. She shares how:

These creative outlets became more than hobbies—they became essential tools for recovery and self-expression.

Marie emphasizes that healing doesn’t happen in isolation. Community and faith played a crucial role in her recovery, providing support, accountability, and purpose.

Through connection with others, she found strength—and now encourages others to seek out community in their own healing journeys.

A key message from this episode is the importance of sharing your story. Marie believes that vulnerability is not weakness—it’s a bridge that helps others feel less alone.

By speaking openly about her experiences, she continues to inspire others to confront their struggles and begin their own path toward healing.

This episode of Oscar Mike Radio is a must-listen for:

Marie Henriksen’s story is a reminder that healing is possible—and that sharing your journey can make a difference in someone else’s life.

Through honesty, creativity, and connection, Marie Henriksen demonstrates what it means to rebuild a life with purpose. Her journey is not just about recovery—it’s about transformation and helping others along the way.

If you’re looking for a story of hope, resilience, and real-world healing, this episode delivers.

In a compelling episode of Oscar Mike Radio, host Travis Partington welcomes P.K. Edgewater—veteran, author, and teacher—for a deeply meaningful discussion on military life, legacy, and the long-lasting impact of war.

This episode offers more than just a conversation—it provides insight into the emotional realities veterans face and the healing power of storytelling.

P.K. Edgewater begins by sharing his family’s remarkable military history, a legacy shaped by generations of service. This foundation not only influenced his life but also inspired his writing, particularly his novel Passages.

Through this lens, listeners gain a deeper understanding of how military culture and generational experiences shape identity, duty, and personal struggle.

One of the central themes of the episode is the psychological and emotional toll of war—especially for Vietnam veterans. P.K. speaks candidly about:

This honest reflection highlights an often-overlooked aspect of military service: the enduring mental and emotional impact long after the battlefield.

P.K.’s novel Passages serves as a powerful vehicle for exploring trauma, healing, and human connection. The book delves into:

By blending fiction with emotional truth, Passages offers readers a relatable and compassionate perspective on the veteran experience.

Travis Partington, a Marine veteran and podcast host, reflects on his own journey and the mission behind Oscar Mike Radio. His work centers on one key belief: stories matter.

Through storytelling, veterans can:

This episode reinforces that storytelling is not just therapeutic—it’s transformative.

A major takeaway from this conversation is the importance of empathy. By listening to and sharing veteran stories, we can create stronger connections between military and civilian communities.

P.K. and Travis emphasize that understanding begins with listening—and that every story has the power to inspire, educate, and heal.

This episode of Oscar Mike Radio is a must-listen for anyone interested in veteran experiences, mental health, and the power of storytelling. P.K. Edgewater’s insights, combined with Travis Partington’s perspective, create a conversation that is both thought-provoking and deeply human.

Whether you’re a veteran, a family member, or simply someone who wants to better understand the realities of military life, this episode offers valuable perspective and meaningful takeaways.

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.